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e-Well Tips
 
Want to Have a Heart-Healthy Diet?
April 4, 2003

If the answer is "yes," then you should be eating the way the people living near the Mediterranean Sea eat. "The Mediterranean Diet" consists mainly of fruits, vegetables and olive oil. If you've been to Greek, Italian or Middle Eastern restaurants, you've probably seen that these three ingredients are throughout the entire menu.

The Mediterranean diet is high in monounsaturated fats (known as the healthy fat), full of whole grains that are high in nutrients and fiber, and is low in processed and refined foods that are usually high in fat and calories.

Here are some tips on building a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet:

CHOOSE OLIVE OIL instead of butter, margarine or other animal fats.

NUTS can often be added to main dishes or salads. Add a small amount of chopped walnuts, pecans, peanuts or any of your favorite nuts for more flavor and a little crunch.

SPICE THINGS UP by adding Mediterranean spices such as basil, oregano, olives or capers, and citrus juices such as lemon or oranges.

ADD FRUITS AND VEGETABLES by topping your pizza with spinach, broccoli or mushrooms; enjoy a fresh piece of seasonal fruit for dessert; or have some vegetable sticks and a low-fat dip as an evening snack.

IN ADDITION to eating a healthy diet, Mediterraneans make physical activity part of their daily lives. They often garden and take long walks after meals. If you want to be even more heart-healthy, be physically active every day - you'll maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and lower your blood pressure.

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