The Mediterranean Diet Explained For Beginners
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What Is The Mediterranean Diet?
Welcome to the Mediterranean Diet explained for beginners.
In this episode of Live Lean TV, I’m explaining the beginner details of the Mediterranean Diet, as well as sharing the Mediterranean Diet food pyramid.
Over the last 2 episodes, I’ve shared my thoughts on the Paleo Diet and the Juice Cleanse Diet.
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The last diet I want to talk about is the Mediterranean Diet.
Let’s get into it.
Benefits Of The Mediterranean Diet
If you’ve never heard of the Mediterranean Diet before, it’s basically how typical people of the Mediterranean eat.
Creative name, I know.
Studies have shown the Mediterranean Diet is linked to lowering the risk of cancer and disease, while also increasing longevity.
Win, win, and win.
Here’s how the Mediterranean Diet works.
Mediterranean Diet Food List
The Mediterranean Diet is a natural diet focusing on protein, heart healthy fats, and lower in processed and refined carbohydrates.
When following a Mediterranean Diet, smaller meals, comprised of the following foods, are typically consumed throughout the day.
Primary Mediterranean Diet Foods:
Secondary Mediterranean Diet Foods:
- Fruit (mainly eaten for dessert)
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Wine (in moderation)
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes
- Whole grains (in moderation)
However, when it comes to whole grains, I’m not referring to the kind of whole grains found in your favorite boxed cereal.
I referring to real whole grains.
As you can see, the majority of the foods found in the Mediterranean Diet are those that we consumed approximately 30 years ago.
The Mediterranean Diet vs. The Paleo Diet
Based on the food list, the Mediterranean Diet is similar to my favorite way of eating, the Paleo Diet.
However, here’s the main difference between the Mediterranean Diet and the Paleo Diet.
The Mediterranean Diet does not include as much red meat as the Paleo Diet, and it includes more whole grains.
Although it’s not exactly like the foods our cavemen ancestors ate, it is much better than the processed laboratory food most people eat today.
However, numerous studies show a higher protein diet, like the Paleo Diet, is more effective for fat loss and muscle gain than the Mediterranean Diet.
If for some reason you just don’t have the temporary will power to give up your whole grains, the Mediterranean diet is a decent option.
But trust me, you will only need temporary will power, because your body will eventually adapt to not craving refined carbohydrates anymore.
Bottom Line
Food marketers are in the business of feeding the world.
They’re not in the business of nourishing the world.
Big difference.
Think about this the next time you’re eating.
Are you feeding yourself or are you nourishing yourself?
Make the right call.
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If you want to nourish yourself, check out my Eat Clean Live Lean Cookbook to get over 200 quick, healthy, easy, affordable, and delicious paleo approved recipes.
You will also get access to 8 weeks of meal plans and grocery lists.
It’s all done for you.
The only thing that is left is for you to go get it here.
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Today’s Question Of The Day:
- Do you currently follow the Mediterranean Diet?
- If so, do you like it better than the Paleo Diet?
Share your experiences in the comment section below.
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Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
Not sure if this vid was a sell point for your book or an instructional
serious vid about the Mediterranean diet. Too short really for it to be an
instructional video.
Thoughts, Brad?
https://youtu.be/RmZYKtrM5CY
I’m confused though. You go back and forth between saying that paleo eliminates grains and advising people to eat less refined carbs. These are not always the same thing. No refined carbs makes complete sense but why not whole grians or unrefined carbs?
I am buying your lean recipe book when I get home from California!!
I am a Paleo fan as well and Food as Fuel has been my focus this month.
I wish everyone could listen to your wisdom and enthusiasm..when I watch
your videos, I get motivated immediately!
You know, here in my country you have to be wealthy to eat meat every day,
so some don´t have the money to temporary leave grains, talking of black
beans, corn tortillas and some other whole grains of course, in my case i
try to eat healthy with no white bread, pasta, diary, junk food and other
processed foods, but this grains are like the essencial for the family
economy, what do you think of that? Thanks and greetings
excelent
Sharing my experience from yesterday. I have been eating lean and
exercising none stop for all January and I feel great. Yesterday I had to
go buy lunch befor going to the office and waited for 15 min. looking for a
a parking spot. No luck getting the spot so I ended going to the McDonalds
next to the salad bar. I have not eaten junk for for over 20 days and
honestly, now I feel bad. The burger just tasted like crap, no flavor what
so ever. I bought the combo due to necessity and thinking (my cheat meal
for the month) but honestly not worth it, though It would tast good and not
at all. Better off just eating right and enjoying the flavors of real food.
For all you out there, its just not worth it. Once you get used to eating
real food, you start enjoying them and feeling great. Use your cheat meal
only if you really have to, otherwise your better off eating lean.
hey brad where do you get energy for your workouts following paleo do you
use starchy carbs if so when do you eat them, cheers mate.
I eat the GIGI DIET – it’s pretty flipping tasty and you can eat HUGE HUGE HUGE PORTIONS! You in? 😉
Would you like to grab a nice GINORMOUS salmon fillet with me?! I am
thinking I might try and catch it with my bare hand and… Eat it raw like
a BEAR! Oooo See what I did there?
As usual, great video man.
You’re starting to remind me of the “shamwow” guy of the fitness industry.
I think that’s a compliment. Not sure.