Mediterranean Diet Smarts

We're all told to watch our fat intake and follow low-fat diets, right? Yet when I went to Europe last year I noticed there were so many slim and gorgeous bodies out there, my jaw hit the floor. They seem to eat more fat, but they're not fat. What's up with that?

I read about the Mediterranean way of eating in the news and it all finally made sense to me. You see, people in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea live longer and seem to have fewer cases of heart disease and cancer than we do here in the U.S. No, it's not simply genetics. It's a fact that a big part of it has to do with their food. The Mediterranean diet is probably the smartest and healthiest diets in the world.

The secret I learned is olive oil plays a big part in all this healthy hoopla. While it's a fat, sure, it is a monounsaturated fat, meaning it's good for your heart. Saturated fats, you might remember, are the thick greasy fats from meats and that go from liquid to solid when they cool. Just the thought turns my stomach.

The other secret is that the Mediterranean diet is typically heavy on the fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. Low cholesterol, you see? It's no wonder they live longer. Where's the big hunks of meat and goooey cheese bread?

Here are some suggestions if you want to start eating the Mediterranean way:

Start eating more fish and leave the cows alone! Red meat is typically high in saturated fat your arteries (and hips) don't need.

Have a glass of red wine with dinner. Loaded with anti-aging and cancer-fighting antioxidants like Resveratrol, red wine has been proven to be good for you.

Use olive oil instead of other salad dressings that are high in calories. A teaspoon goes a long way.

If you need a quick pick-me-up, have a handful of almonds with some dried fruit.

I'm eating this way now and, yes Mom, I'm aware it's easy to eat too much of a good thing. Nuts and olive oil contain healthy fats, but they are both high in calories. Portion control is strictly enforced in my kitchen.

So lift your wine glass and toast the Mediterranean way of life with me!