The Mediterranean diet is based around the traditional food that was traditionally consumed in countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain. The reason that the Mediterranean diet has risen in popularity over recent years is because of its health benefits. The Mediterranean diet has proven to help people with heart disease and diabetes. This diet has been praised since it avoids foods that are high in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). LDL is the “bad” type of cholesterol that builds up in people’s arteries. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to help reduce the risk of cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here at South Coast Post Acute, we have our South Coast skilled dietitians and staff available to help all residents develop a diet plan that is essential to their health journey. Below are some of the recommendations that we incorporate in our post acute care community on how to include the Mediterranean diet into your life.
Foods to Incorporate
When choosing to follow the Mediterranean diet, the primary focus of the diet is plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Red meats should be consumed rarely, while lean proteins like poultry and fish should be eaten regularly. Olive oil is another key component of the Mediterranean diet and should be used as a substitute for butter as often as possible.
Foods to Avoid
For the Mediterranean diet, it is crucial to limit refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread. Added sugars should also be avoided, so switch out the sodas and candies for healthier substitutes like water and fruit. Highly processed foods also contain a lot of trans fat, which is detrimental to heart health, so remember to check food labels.
Our post acute care community is here to support you on your health journey. Our South Coast skilled dietitians can customize food plans based on individual health needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.