| "Eat healthy and be active" is the universally | | | | saturated fat that acts as an antioxidant too. |
| acknowledged theory to staying fit. Food has to | | | | Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are |
| be appealing to the eyes and kindle the taste | | | | added flavors used in a very low amount. For |
| buds too. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy | | | | instance, cheese is used only for flavor and not |
| balanced diet of plant food cooked in "good" fat. | | | | excessively as a cooking base. Butter and |
| That does not mean there is a total cut on animal | | | | margarine are almost absent in the diet. Similarly, |
| products. The Mediterranean diet pyramid | | | | fish, poultry and meat are often grilled or roasted |
| recommends animal fat and products to be taken | | | | and never fried.The recipes do not make use of |
| in small quantities occasionally. In a Mediterranean | | | | any processed food. For instance they would |
| diet a major portion includes vegetables, cherries, | | | | prefer fresh spinach to processed and salted |
| spinach, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, | | | | canned food. Mediterranean diet recipes are unique |
| watermelon, eggplant and potatoes. Whole grain | | | | for their flavor and taste. Most of the flavors in |
| bread, pastas and cereals are the main course in | | | | various food preparations come with the use of |
| the diet. Fruit is the most preferred dessert. The | | | | onion, garlic, spices such as cinnamon, clove, |
| food is followed by wine that is consumed in small | | | | pepper, oregano, Italian parsley and certain natural |
| or moderate amount. Wines are prepared from | | | | herbs like basils -- all cooked in olive oil. There is |
| grapes, pomegranates and persimmons. The diet | | | | also wide use of citrus juices such as lemon and |
| is also inclusive of dairy products especially cheese | | | | orange used in cooking. In fact, wine is used in |
| that is to be taken in a small | | | | recipes whether it be a main dish, salad or |
| quantity.Mediterranean cuisines are known for their | | | | dessert. The recipes vary from state to state, |
| wonderful taste and time saving cooking practices. | | | | and are fresh vegetables and other plant food |
| The recipes widely make use of olive oil in | | | | produced locally. However, most of the flavor |
| cooking, garnishing and salad dressing. It is a low | | | | favors remain the same like the olive oil. |