Mediterranean Diet

Today’s Repowering Information:
I know statistics about obesity are not enough to drive someone to do anything about it, but even so, they are still staggering to look at. Colorado is the one state that is still holding out with only 15 – 19% of their population being obese. Obese is defined at the point where the fat on your body is significant to negatively impact your health. We are not talking about the 10 -15 cosmetic pounds most of us could afford to shed. Fat is where toxins in the body are stored so we do not want to have more fat on our bodies than we need.


by Dr. Jack Barnathan

A new study from Ben Gurion University in collaboration with Harvard University, the University of Leipzig, Germany and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, demonstrates that dieters don't have to give up healthy fats if they want to lose weight, or increase health benefits. Instead, they can opt for diets that are low in "empty" carbohydrates (high glycemic, simple) like breads, pasta and at the same time eat a bounty of "complex" or low glycemic vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes and healthy fats.

The conclusion of these researchers (published in the New England Journal of Medicine) who monitored 322 moderately obese people assigned one of 3 diets:

1) A low fat diet
2) A Mediterranean diet
3) A low carb diet like "Atkins"

The "low carb" dieters lost 10.3 lbs in one year, the Mediterranean lost 10 lbs, and the low fat just 6.5 lbs. All the participants decreased the number of calories they consumed by similar amounts, but it is clear that the lower carb and Mediterranean diets were superior.

A Mediterranean diet consists of plant based carbohydrates, olive oil / olives (primary 'good fat' source), beans, nuts, seeds. Dairy products (mostly from yogurt and cheese) and fish in moderate to low amount. Very little red meat and eggs. Moderate of red wine. Since there is no "single" mediterranean diet (there are 16 countries bordering) there is variety, but the above are some of the basics. Italy and Greece were the countries where much of the observation / research was performed.

The researchers commented that the results were comparable to "physician-prescribed" weight loss medications.

Further, the Mediterranean diet group saw the biggest improvement in blood sugar levels.

What is also remarkable is that 85% of those in the study stuck with their diets the full three years.

Researchers are concluding that a "low carb, Mediterranean diet can be a "safe, effective" alternative for individuals.

At N.Y. Strength our "Authentic Nutrition Precision Cuisine" strongly encourages a "Mediterranean style" diet, and recommend many healthy foods with remarkably healthy fats (avocado, walnuts, brazil nuts, salmon, trout, bison, etc.) for creating an energizing meal that one can enjoy preparing, and sharing at the dining table. beyond weight loss."
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Of all of the diet books out there, the MEdeterrian diet is one that nutritionists will generally support. It leverages common sense using a variety of fresh and wholesome vegetbles and fruits, whole grains and lean meats. It incorporates natural fats that are high in omega’s and no processed foods.