More on the Mediterranean diet and my progress so far.

Last post I mentioned about the Mediterranean diet (but really it is a lifestyle) and gave some of the common food/diet customs.

Here are some more lifestyle factors I forgot to add:

• They eat greens weekly if not daily, usually dandelion weeds which are plentiful and cheap.
• Greek vinaigrette is used for many purposes including salad dressing, marinating and more: Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and oregano.
• Eggs are a quick meal or a pantry meal.
• A market visits towns once or twice a week for people do their shopping.
• People walk to the market, old people walk faster than young people.
• People walk to church, school and to shops, everyone gets to walk.
• People walk up and down stairs in buildings, elevators are small and for special occasions.
• Eating is for relaxation, you shouldn't be in a hurry and the meal should be enjoyed.
• People only concern themselves with the current day, tomorrow will have it's day, yesterday won't be repeated.
• Meals are cooked early so you don't have to do it at the last minute when you are tired, perhaps that morning.
• People often cook for more than one meal and share the meal or save for freezing or leftovers.
• Fun is incorporated, even in a small way, to everyday.
• During religious fasting the diet is very similar to a vegan diet and still has plenty to offer.
• The outdoors and nature is revered, there's plenty of nice things to look at to brighten ones mood.
• Detailed planning isn't a very revered skill since a lot of people only concern themselves with today.
• Quality is very important, much more so than quantity.
• People follow the rule that you can have a little of everything, or in moderation.

So there is plenty to try to incorporate into todays western modern stressed lifestyle, plenty of back to basics ideas.

So how have I been doing? We were on vacation recently where we walked A LOT, ie 28,000 steps in a day and I decided to get rid of my sweet tooth (was it always really just a decision?) and ate diabetic types of meals. My meals have high complex carbs, protein and fat in every meal. I minimized as much as possible, even on vacation, my simple carbs, even if the rest of the family ate regular meals and snacks. When I got back I weighed 7 Lbs less! Yes, finally budging the scale. I need to keep at it with the diabetic style meals, minimal processed & starchy carbs and lots of walking.

Hope you are doing well.

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