The Mediterranean Diet is not a specific weight loss program. It is the typical eating habits traditionally followed by the people in the Mediterranean area and has been noted for it's heart healthy diet benefits.
The low rates of diseases and high life expectancy rates in the Mediterranean are credited to their traditional diet and active and agricultural lifestyle. Being an Italian myself, I love good old Italian meals.
The diet plan has many aspects to it that make it very appealing especially if you are looking to lose weight. You will get the opportunity to try foods that are native to the areas that lie alond the border of the Medditeranean Sea. This means olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables even red wine.
The diet is also exetremely benefitical in combating hear diease.
Although there are many attempts at replicating this traditional style of living, it originally was not a weight loss program. The diet is based on the traditional lifestyle and carries through with delicious cuisine.
You will eat less processed foods and more yogurt, beans, nuts, legumes, vegetables, fruits, rice, pasta, potatos and whole grains. Red meat, sweets, poultry and eggs are consumed less often.
Red wine (in moderation), is a part of the traditional lifestyle this weight loss plan is based on.
Sixteen countries border the sea, and the diets can vary between the countries and regions. However, they have a very common ground in how they eat.
Or you could just buy the book The Mediterranean Diet and do your own research and meal planning.
Rather than a diet, the New Mediterranean Diet Plan is a lifestyle change. Your chances of maintaining your weight are better because the foods you eat are more satisfying. Also, exercise is promoted and it's easier to stick with a program like this.