We’ve all heard of the Mediterranean diet, but what exactly is it?
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that mimics traditional food ways in Mediterranean regions. The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole foods and puts a large emphasis on fresh produce, plant-based protein, and healthy fats. Some fundamental foods found within the Mediterranean diet are fish, olive oil, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds.
This lifestyle choice is prompted by the vast scientific proof that demonstrates excellent health benefits for people who adhere to this lifestyle. People consuming the Mediterranean diet often experience a reduced health risk of chronic diseases such as different types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and more. It also provides protection against cognitive decline by protecting the small blood vessels in the brain which is found to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s by 40%.
The Mediterranean diet has also been proven to be more effective at weight loss than the low-fat diet alternative. All in all, there are numerous benefits of the Mediterranean diet including that it is a delicious way of eating.
This class is perfect for people who are looking to demystify food and understand how food and health interact. If you find yourself interested in trying the Mediterranean diet but you are unsure where to start, that is perfectly normal. It is difficult to know where to begin when changing something as intimidating as your diet.
Fortunately, New Hanover County Cooperative Extension is offering a Med Instead of Meds course to aid individuals who may not know how to begin including more Mediterranean foods in their diet. The course is going to be offered for six weeks at two New Hanover County public libraries ― 3 p.m. Aug. 24-Sept. 28 at the Northeast branch and at 10 a.m. Oct. 10-Nov. 14 at the Pine Valley branch. Each class will be approximately 45 minutes.
The course will assist you in “going Med” by providing seven simple steps to the Mediterranean diet. This will include tips and tricks, life hacks, and many tasty recipes so that you can feel comfortable and confident in trying to include more Mediterranean foods in your diet.
If you are interested, you can register for the course by calling the appropriate library or visiting the online library calendar.
Rhianna Flory is an intern at The NC Cooperative Extension Center for New Hanover County, which is located at the arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive in Wilmington, N.C. The gardens are free and open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Reach her at rhiannaflory@gmail.com.
