Take a Lesson from Italians – Follow the Mediterranean Diet
Did you know that Italians have a lower obesity rate than Americans? We can’t say we’re surprised though, because Italians stay healthy by following the Mediterranean Diet, which is comprised primarily of plant foods, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, whole grains, potatoes, beans, lentils, nuts, seed, and of course, pasta!
In a recent article by the Daily Meal, a nutritionist explained that Italians eat pasta every day and get much of their energy from complex carbs like bread and pasta. She explains that in a healthy diet, half of your daily caloric intake should consist of carbs, and unsaturated fats should consist of roughly 30% of your calories. The other 20% should consist of meat and cheeses.
In contrast, Americans tend to practice high protein, low carb diets. While you may lose weight initially following this type of diet, your system will eventually need to be balanced out by the nutrients found in the Mediterranean Diet.
The Mediterranean Diet is a great way to highlight and complement many healthy foods and, in addition to weight benefits, can reduce the risk of death from heart disease and cancer. There are lots of fun ways to incorporate these foods, with plenty of room to be creative! Try any of our Pasta Recipes to see for yourself.
For more information on the Mediterranean Diet visit www.pastafits.org.