Mediterranean Diet: Share Meals & Stay Active

One of our favorite things about the Mediterranean Diet is that it’s not a diet in the modern, American sense of the word. Rather, it’s a way of thinking about our relationship with food, and a set of suggestions for how to incorporate healthy and delicious choices into our meals.

It’s a radical departure from the typical American diet in that its food pyramid is wholly different. At the base of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, you won’t find any food recommendations at all. Rather, the foundation includes two well-being suggestions: enjoying mealtimes with others, and staying physically active.

By sharing meals with our friends and family, we create a feeling of fellowship that boosts our mood and builds deeper connections to our community; it’s not hard to imagine how this can improve your mental health. And when we’re setting a table and taking the time to talk to one another — rather than wolfing down burgers in the car or eating out of a carton in front of the TV — we’re a lot more likely to make better meal choices, too.

Staying physically active doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym or running marathons, either. You've probably seen traditional Mediterranean weddings and family gatherings in movies or TV shows. The kids are running and playing, the adults are dancing and table-hopping, even the grandparents are up and about, strolling around the garden. Take a cue from those happy villagers and make food a part of a social, active life.

Here are some of our favorite recipes for sharing meals with others:

Zesty Greek Feta Dip

Portuguese Green Olive Dip

Green Olive and Almond Tapenade

Warm Olives with Herbs 

Panzanella (Bread Salad) 

Marinated Olives with Goat Cheese

Next article: Mediterranean Diet: Vegetables & Grains 

 

Category: Healthy Living