If you love seafood, you’ll fall in love with this “fishy” way of losing weight, hook, line and sinker! Well known and followed in Europe — and now popular in the US — the Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy way to lose weight while eating healthy fats, fresh, unprocessed foods and plenty of seafood. (You can include a daily glass of red wine, too, if that’s your thing!)

On the Mediterranean diet, you’ll eat fish two or three times a week. Fish contains the all-important omega-3 fatty acid, which is why this particular diet has been successful. Another important part of the plan is olive oil. Studies have shown that olive oil is filled with antioxidants and that there has been a decrease in cardiovascular disease among those who have participated in this diet plan.

In fact, experts have determined that the Mediterranean Diet is better for you than other diets due to the fact that pasta, fruits, beans, nuts, vegetables and olive oil are the basis of this diet. Moreover, additional research on the benefits of olive oil concludes that it is not only healthy for you, but can lower the bad cholesterol as well.

Some people who are overweight also tend to have a high cholesterol count. Others may be predisposed to high levels of cholesterol due to family genetics. In both cases, drugs may be prescribed for the rest of their lives, some of which may cause possible side effects.

The Mediterranean diet not only offers an alternative to weight gain, but controls cholesterol levels as well. According to studies, saturated fats increase cholesterol levels. On the other hand, momounsaturated fats control the bad and raise the good cholesterol.

Olive oil, which has the largest amount of monounsaturated fats in addition to its antioxidants, has been effective in controlling weight gain, and has also been found to prevent cancer and slow down the aging process as well.

Not only is olive oil fully digestible, but it absorbs nutrients in a good way and also allows for the decrease in calcium loss, which is good news for the elderly. Olive oil, which is the basis of the Mediterranean diet, benefits brain function, helps prevent infection, and heals tissue, both internally and externally.

The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy alternative for those who wish to lose weight and control their cholesterol levels. It’s a great diet if you like fresh, unprocessed food — and, naturally, you have to love fish and seafood! (Oh, and if you like a glass of wine with your meal, then you’ll really love the Mediterranean Diet…)

To learn more about the diet, including a sample menu plan, check out ediets.com: Eat, drink & be thin on the Mediterranean Diet!

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Eat better, move more, and believe in yourself!

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