Mediterranean way of living

Does anyone know how to start incorporating this way of life into everyday living?
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Replies

  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I have no idea what you're talking about.
  • ChrisM8971
    ChrisM8971 Posts: 1,067 Member
    Go somewhere sunny and very warm?

    If you are looking to go down the route of a Mediterranean style then there are lots of resources out there on the net but the basics of what you will find are

    Lots of fruit and veg
    Limiting red meat consumption
    Eat more fish & poultry etc
    Move to whole grain food choices
    Use olive oil as your fat of choice

    There are a fair few other bits as well and this a good place to start http://oldwayspt.org/resources/heritage-pyramids/mediterranean-pyramid/overview

  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    Drink more wine and ouzo, buy leather pants, and default on your national debt
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    The Mediterraean area is large and complex--different countries. I've lived in Rome, Italy for 30 yrs, and yes, the life here is very different than the US. We walk everywhere since we live in the city. Food is considered traditional, and an art form. There is alot of education about food and where it comes from with an emphasis on quality.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Take a nap from 12 to 2 every day.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    You may also try these:
    http://www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/Brazilian-Dietary-Guidelines-2014.pdf

    - eat slowly
    - Eat with family and friends
    - Prepare the food yourself
    - Shop frequently for fresh foods
    - Enjoy unsaturated oil like olive oil in your cooking and dressings
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    Drink more wine and ouzo, buy leather pants, and default on your national debt

    this
  • NaturalNancy
    NaturalNancy Posts: 1,093 Member
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Take a nap from 12 to 2 every day.

    Actually the nap is from 2:00-3:00 where I live(Rome) since we eat lunch at 1:30. People go back to work at about 4:00. but work until 7:00 or 8:00 pm. You have to look at the whole instead of just a part of the puzzle. Most people go to bed at 12:00pm or later and get up at 7:00am.
  • import69
    import69 Posts: 15 Member
    The best way to live the Mediterranean way of life is to go all inclusive, then the food is free and you wont feel guilty about eating lots of it.
  • lodro
    lodro Posts: 982 Member
    the mediterranean diet is an invention.
  • lodro
    lodro Posts: 982 Member
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    lodro wrote: »
    the mediterranean diet is an invention.

    Well, actually, here in Italy it sure does exist and is discussed at length.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    lodro wrote: »
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?

    Greece, southern France, Turkey (around the coast) and southern Italy for sure. Albania also.
    Have not been in the rest of the area, but I suspect at least Spain, Lebanon and Malta have similar basic ingredients from what I have tried at friends homes and restaurants.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    lodro wrote: »
    the mediterranean diet is an invention.

    Absolutely. It was invented by people living around the Mediterranean.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Take a nap from 12 to 2 every day.

    No. Lunch at 2. Nap after lunch :)
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    lodro wrote: »
    the mediterranean diet is an invention.

    Absolutely. It was invented by people living around the Mediterranean.

    THIS--I like!
  • ChrisM8971
    ChrisM8971 Posts: 1,067 Member
    lodro wrote: »
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?

    In many rural areas of the countries around the Mediterranean, less so in the larger urban areas, or at least thats my experience from Greece
  • fishshark
    fishshark Posts: 1,886 Member
    i am Italian both sides my mom came here when she was 6. The main thing honestly.. is they walk EVERYWHERE. Or they will ride their bikes. They eat smaller portions but frequently. the French and Italians eat pretty carb and fat heavy foods but like i said they are an active bunch. My grandmother who is 80 walks 10 miles a day give or take to the store/farmer market. Eats pasta cheese fat bread oils and wine all day. They really do limit red meat.... Also DONT COOK WITH OLIVE OIL. Super low smoke point. eat it in jts raw form.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    ChrisM8971 wrote: »
    lodro wrote: »
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?

    In many rural areas of the countries around the Mediterranean, less so in the larger urban areas, or at least thats my experience from Greece

    Some of my best friends are greeks who are study abroad for university and they eat very similarly. They bake and cook everything for themselves. Always. They squirt lemon juice on literally everything. They eat meat 1-3 times a week. Every meal is served with a greek salad(tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, oregano, and olive oil) with a thick *kitten* piece of feta. They constantly go on and on about how they will only use olive oil and how healthy it is, even when they are pouring it on....

    When i was on a few greek islands (after a stay in athens) last year i experienced the exact same thing. Of course there was fast food like souvlaki, but i was incredibly suprised by the amount of food I could eat there (since i'm vegetarian) and how many of the meals were meat-free or darn near close to it. I've learned so many recipes like Patates Lemonates (roasted lemon potatoes), Yemista (stuffed tomatoes), Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), Fasolakia (Green beans with potatoes, tomatoes), kolokithakia (fried zuchinni balls), etc.

    The amount of fresh veggies and fruits was amazing, and they were eaten with almost every meal. They had some excellent dairy (like fresh feta, fage yogurt, etc.) as well. I'm dreaming of the tiropita now.... mmm!
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    Does anyone know how to start incorporating this way of life into everyday living?

    Move to Southern France - drink Pastis and eat tapenade d'olive. Listen to Occitan.
  • jpaulie
    jpaulie Posts: 917 Member
    fishshark wrote: »
    i am Italian both sides my mom came here when she was 6. The main thing honestly.. is they walk EVERYWHERE. Or they will ride their bikes. They eat smaller portions but frequently. the French and Italians eat pretty carb and fat heavy foods but like i said they are an active bunch. My grandmother who is 80 walks 10 miles a day give or take to the store/farmer market. Eats pasta cheese fat bread oils and wine all day. They really do limit red meat.... Also DONT COOK WITH OLIVE OIL. Super low smoke point. eat it in jts raw form.

    exactly, eat your olive oil, cook with avacado oil
  • ChrisM8971
    ChrisM8971 Posts: 1,067 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    ChrisM8971 wrote: »
    lodro wrote: »
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?

    In many rural areas of the countries around the Mediterranean, less so in the larger urban areas, or at least thats my experience from Greece

    Some of my best friends are greeks who are study abroad for university and they eat very similarly. They bake and cook everything for themselves. Always. They squirt lemon juice on literally everything. They eat meat 1-3 times a week. Every meal is served with a greek salad(tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, oregano, and olive oil) with a thick *kitten* piece of feta. They constantly go on and on about how they will only use olive oil and how healthy it is, even when they are pouring it on....

    When i was on a few greek islands (after a stay in athens) last year i experienced the exact same thing. Of course there was fast food like souvlaki, but i was incredibly suprised by the amount of food I could eat there (since i'm vegetarian) and how many of the meals were meat-free or darn near close to it. I've learned so many recipes like Patates Lemonates (roasted lemon potatoes), Yemista (stuffed tomatoes), Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), Fasolakia (Green beans with potatoes, tomatoes), kolokithakia (fried zuchinni balls), etc.

    The amount of fresh veggies and fruits was amazing, and they were eaten with almost every meal. They had some excellent dairy (like fresh feta, fage yogurt, etc.) as well. I'm dreaming of the tiropita now.... mmm!

    I am a meat eater, but still love all of those but my favourite is Gigandes Plaki (I think thats correct). Oh and who could not love spicy feta dip (not even going to attempt to spell that one!)
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Smoke point of various oils. Regular olive oil isn't that low. Extra virgin is lower.

    http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/cooking-fats-101-whats-a-smoke-point-and-why-does-it-matter.html
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    ChrisM8971 wrote: »
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    ChrisM8971 wrote: »
    lodro wrote: »
    Use olive oil for cooking and in salads.
    Eat lots of wild caught fish.
    Limit meat.
    Eat beans.
    Eat salads.
    Use lemon juice in your salads and dishes.

    where in the mediterranean do they eat like this exactly?

    In many rural areas of the countries around the Mediterranean, less so in the larger urban areas, or at least thats my experience from Greece

    Some of my best friends are greeks who are study abroad for university and they eat very similarly. They bake and cook everything for themselves. Always. They squirt lemon juice on literally everything. They eat meat 1-3 times a week. Every meal is served with a greek salad(tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, oregano, and olive oil) with a thick *kitten* piece of feta. They constantly go on and on about how they will only use olive oil and how healthy it is, even when they are pouring it on....

    When i was on a few greek islands (after a stay in athens) last year i experienced the exact same thing. Of course there was fast food like souvlaki, but i was incredibly suprised by the amount of food I could eat there (since i'm vegetarian) and how many of the meals were meat-free or darn near close to it. I've learned so many recipes like Patates Lemonates (roasted lemon potatoes), Yemista (stuffed tomatoes), Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), Fasolakia (Green beans with potatoes, tomatoes), kolokithakia (fried zuchinni balls), etc.

    The amount of fresh veggies and fruits was amazing, and they were eaten with almost every meal. They had some excellent dairy (like fresh feta, fage yogurt, etc.) as well. I'm dreaming of the tiropita now.... mmm!

    I am a meat eater, but still love all of those but my favourite is Gigandes Plaki (I think thats correct). Oh and who could not love spicy feta dip (not even going to attempt to spell that one!)

    Yes! :smiley:
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    jpaulie wrote: »
    fishshark wrote: »
    i am Italian both sides my mom came here when she was 6. The main thing honestly.. is they walk EVERYWHERE. Or they will ride their bikes. They eat smaller portions but frequently. the French and Italians eat pretty carb and fat heavy foods but like i said they are an active bunch. My grandmother who is 80 walks 10 miles a day give or take to the store/farmer market. Eats pasta cheese fat bread oils and wine all day. They really do limit red meat.... Also DONT COOK WITH OLIVE OIL. Super low smoke point. eat it in jts raw form.

    exactly, eat your olive oil, cook with avacado oil

    No one in the Mediterranean cooks with avocado oil.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Smoke point of various oils. Regular olive oil isn't that low. Extra virgin is lower.

    http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/cooking-fats-101-whats-a-smoke-point-and-why-does-it-matter.html

    I'm not sure if it's just a US thing, but i was CONVINCED you could never fry or cook on high heat with olive oil. I was shocked when i saw my friends making french fries with olive oil (But-but, what about the smoke point?!?!) but apparently it isn't a problem. *shrug*
  • mean_and_lean
    mean_and_lean Posts: 164 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Smoke point of various oils. Regular olive oil isn't that low. Extra virgin is lower.

    http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/cooking-fats-101-whats-a-smoke-point-and-why-does-it-matter.html

    I'm not sure if it's just a US thing, but i was CONVINCED you could never fry or cook on high heat with olive oil. I was shocked when i saw my friends making french fries with olive oil (But-but, what about the smoke point?!?!) but apparently it isn't a problem. *shrug*

    I always cook with olive oil.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    rainbowbow wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Smoke point of various oils. Regular olive oil isn't that low. Extra virgin is lower.

    http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/cooking-fats-101-whats-a-smoke-point-and-why-does-it-matter.html

    I'm not sure if it's just a US thing, but i was CONVINCED you could never fry or cook on high heat with olive oil. I was shocked when i saw my friends making french fries with olive oil (But-but, what about the smoke point?!?!) but apparently it isn't a problem. *shrug*

    Yeah, I actually learned that from someone on MFP and checked it out: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/03/cooking-with-olive-oil-faq-safety-flavor.html