Employee Health & Wellness: The Mediterranean Lifestyle

It is often hard to stick to a diet when it is very restrictive or when you do not find the specific diet foods appealing, but a well-balanced diet is important for heart health. It is essential to note that a successful diet consists of adopting small changes over time that can lead to an overall lifestyle change. Jumping into a diet too quickly can  be highly motivating at first, but may result in eventually falling back into old habits.

Growing in popularity since the 1950s, the Mediterranean lifestyle derived from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It was found that heart disease was not common in those countries, unlike in the United States. Centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains and heart-healthy fats, the Mediterranean lifestyle promotes cardiovascular health. Other key elements of the meal plan suggest that you consume dairy products in moderation and limit red meat intake by replacing it with fish. When it comes to adding flavor to your meals you should avoid salt and find other spices to take its place. In addition to being great for heart health, following the Mediterranean lifestyle diet can benefit other aspects of your health such as brain function and healthy blood sugar levels.

A key aspect of the Mediterranean lifestyle is exercise. When starting out you can incorporate small changes to your daily routine, such as standing during phone calls and meetings, taking the stairs instead of the elevator and more. Incorporating this diet and exercise practice into your lifestyle can certainly yield some healthy heart benefits, so do not hesitate to start today!