Dr. Gourmet Newsletter: Mediterranean Diet Week
May 14, 2007

Dr. Tim Says...

I recently received an Ask Dr. Gourmet question about my thoughts on the Mediterranean Diet. As I answered the question, I realized that a lot of people may not know exactly what this is.

The Mediterranean Diet is the name that has evolved to symbolize the healthy foods eaten by those whose countries surround the Mediterranean Sea. Their diets are higher in vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts and whole grain cereals. The main fat used is olive oil and there is less emphasis on highly saturated fats. Protein from animal sources is mostly fish with some dairy although much of the dairy is in the form cultured products like cheeses and yogurt. There is a lower intake of poultry and red meat and a moderate consumption of wine (mostly with meals). The Mediterranean Diet (Part One)

Featured Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Salad
This recipe is really easy. Even though there’s a lot of ingredients, the hardest part is slicing everything to get it ready for the grill pan. Don’t feel restricted by the veggies -- you can use the equivalent amount of anything you want. If you're in a rush, using some of the pre-sliced veggies that are now in the salad / lettuce section of grocery stores can be a real time saver.

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Would you recommend a website with health diets that would help to INCREASE MY HDL, good cholesterol? Please. Thanks.

Dr. Gourmet Says....

The Dr. Gourmet recipes are designed to do just what you wish -- lower total cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides.

eatTHISdiet meal plans are balanced with a variety of ingredients that emphasize a heart healthy diet. They are low in fat, saturated fat and higher in monounsaturated fat. Recipes do not contain trans-fats. Cholesterol and sodium are limited. The key is to maximize the flavor while working to create recipes that are healthy. eatTHISdiet