The Advanced Mediterranean Diet

Book excerpt: The author's goal is to help people lose excess weight while eating Mediterranean-style, leading to better health and longevity. The traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, judicious amounts of wine, with minimal saturated fats (e.g, beef and pork). Scientists in the mid-20th century found that this diet was associated with longer life and less chronic disease. Over the last 5 years, nutrition researchers have identified which components of the Mediterranean diet, and in what amounts, lead to the observed health and longevity benefits. Dr. Steve Parker (M.D.), enhances the traditional Mediterranean diet by incorporating these latest scientific breakthroughs. The author reviews nutrition, psychological issues, and the consequences of overweight. Then, four different calorie-level eating plans are laid out. An individual's recommended caloric intake is determined by sex and weight. The eating plans approximate the traditional Mediterranean diet. Dieters choose from an extensive list of readily available foods. Easy recipes are provided but are optional. Dr. Parker, a medical school professor with 24 years¿ clinical experience, also emphasizes the importance of exercise for prevention of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, dementia, and heart attacks. A chapter is devoted to adaptation of the program by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Later chapters discuss weight-loss surgery and weight-loss pills and nutritional supplements. The final chapter discusses prevention of weight regain. The appendix has a recommended reading list (bibliography), list of helpful Internet resources, and scientific journal references. An index is provided.