What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
Here is the best answer to, what is the Mediterranean Diet: It is the best overall diet. That is according to U.S. News and World Report, and it has been that way for eight consecutive years. City Fish Market has had the freshest seafood for going on a century. So, we are the perfect match for the seafood-rich Mediterranean Diet. Read on for a solid introduction to this healthful diet and plan a trip to 884 Silas Deane Hwy, Wethersfield, CT 06109 for the best seafood options around.
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
To start out, it is good to understand that the Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating that has been linked to health benefits galore! The Mayo Clinic associates the Mediterranean Diet with improved heart health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and potential benefits for cognitive function and weight management. It is based on traditional dietary patterns of countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy, France, Croatia, Morocco, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. The emphasis is on the following characteristics:
- Plant-based foods
- Healthy fats
- Moderate amounts of fish, eggs, poultry, and dairy
- A low intake of red meat and processed foods
Ingredients Typically Used in the Mediterranean Diet
Now, what are the typical ingredients in the Mediterranean Diet? To begin with, it must be said that the delicious recipes in this diet have bold flavors! Key components are as follows:
Vegetables are emphasized in the Mediterranean Diet, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, and other seasonal produce. Other top ingredients include onions, kale, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, and broccoli as well as artichokes, zucchini, squash, eggplant, turnips, and beets.
Fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Citrus fruits are also in the Mediterranean Diet and provide vitamin C and other nutrients and include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Grapes, figs, peaches, dates, and pomegranates are also staples that add to taste and nutrition.
Olive oil, in particular extra virgin olive oil, is the source of fat primarily used in cooking and as a salad dressing.
Whole grains used in the Mediterranean Diet include whole-wheat bread, pasta, brown rice and other grains preferred over refined grains, in which beneficial nutrients such as iron, fiber, and B vitamins are removed.
Seafood is a regular part of the Mediterranean Diet, including fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Other ingredients: Legumes, nuts and seeds, dairy, poultry and eggs, limited amounts of red meat and red wine.
Note: The Mediterranean Diet limits added sugars, sodium, sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, saturated fats, and processed or fatty meats.
Mediterranean Seafood and Fish Recipes
When you open a menu in a Mediterranean restaurant, you may see foods that are foreign to you. Falafel Salad, Tabouli Salad, Hummus, Labneh, a Gyro Wrap, Beef Shawarma, Chicken Ciku Stir Fry, and Baklava are typical menu items. One bite may be all it takes to forget how new the territory is and enjoy the wonderful dishes.
Go to this link for wonderful Mediterranean Seafood and Fish Recipes. Pair the recipes with our fresh shrimp, cod, halibut, salmon, trout, oysters, mussels, and whatever seafood you need. When you start with the freshest seafood found at City Fish Market, you’ve elevated the outcome of your recipe.
Shop City Fish Market for the Seafood in Your Mediterranean Diet
If you are going in for healthy eating, put City Fish Market on your GPS today. Consider further exploring the answer to the question, what is The Mediterranean Diet? And, finally, get a first-hand look at our daily seafood selections. Fresh lobster, shrimp, fish, scallops, flounder, crab, tuna, snapper, sea bass, monkfish, tilapia, bluefish, and so much more will whet your appetite for more good things.
Visit the retail counters at City Fish Market today. Need delivery? We deliver! Just call or fill out our online form for seafood delivery.