| Mediterranean
Diet Recipes
by Kevin Stith
"Eat healthy and be active"
is the universally acknowledged theory to staying fit.
Food has to be appealing to the eyes and kindle the
taste buds too. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy
balanced diet of plant food cooked in "good"
fat. That does not mean there is a total cut on animal
products. The Mediterranean diet pyramid recommends
animal fat and products to be taken in small quantities
occasionally. In a Mediterranean diet a major portion
includes vegetables, cherries, spinach, beans, mushrooms,
tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant and potatoes. Whole grain
bread, pastas and cereals are the main course in the
diet. Fruit is the most preferred dessert. The food
is followed by wine that is consumed in small or moderate
amount. Wines are prepared from grapes, pomegranates
and persimmons. The diet is also inclusive of dairy
products especially cheese that is to be taken in a
small quantity.
Mediterranean cuisines are known
for their wonderful taste and time saving cooking practices.
The recipes widely make use of olive oil in cooking,
garnishing and salad dressing. It is a low saturated
fat that acts as an antioxidant too. Dairy products
like milk, yogurt and cheese are added flavors used
in a very low amount. For instance, cheese is used only
for flavor and not excessively as a cooking base. Butter
and margarine are almost absent in the diet. Similarly,
fish, poultry and meat are often grilled or roasted
and never fried.
The recipes do not make use of any
processed food. For instance they would prefer fresh
spinach to processed and salted canned food. Mediterranean
diet recipes are unique for their flavor and taste.
Most of the flavors in various food preparations come
with the use of onion, garlic, spices such as cinnamon,
clove, pepper, oregano, Italian parsley and certain
natural herbs like basils -- all cooked in olive oil.
There is also wide use of citrus juices such as lemon
and orange used in cooking. In fact, wine is used in
recipes whether it be a main dish, salad or dessert.
The recipes vary from state to state, and are fresh
vegetables and other plant food produced locally. However,
most of the flavor favors remain the same like the olive
oil.
Mediterranean
Diets provides detailed information about Mediterranean
diets, Mediterranean diet benefits, Mediterranean diet
cook books and more. Mediterranean Diets is affiliated
with Mangosteen
Fruit.
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