MENU
 
 

It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

What is the best diet for Metabolic Syndrome?

My doctor suspects I might have metabolic syndrome. She advised me to lose weight, which I am in the process of doing: 11 pounds so far. Is there a particular diet that would be better for me, i.e., diabetic diet, Mediterranean diet? Are there any foods I need to cut out forever? One article I read said not to eat corn, butter beans, beets, and anything white.

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Olive oil being drizzled onto olive tree leaves with black olives attached

I love this question because recently there is excellent research to prove that the optimum diet for metabolic syndrome is a Mediterranean style diet. This article from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2011 reinforces the conclusions from the last 20 years of research: The Effect of Mediterranean Diet on Metabolic Syndrome and its Components.

All Dr. Gourmet meal plans and the foundation of our mission at DrGourmet.com is to translate Mediterranean diet principles for the American kitchen. You can get started learning about a Mediterranean style diet here: What is a Mediterranean Diet?

Good luck, and thanks for writing.

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP
Dr. Gourmet