Many of the foods emphasized by the Mediterranean diet and essential to living the Mediterranean lifestyle align well with the fresh local foods available in Florida. This gives us Floridian’s an advantage to replicating the healthy lifestyle and following the recommendations. Following the Mediterranean diet has been shown to promote health and decrease risk of many chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet focuses on (1) eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, (2) replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil, (3) using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods (3) limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month, (4) eating fish and poultry at least twice a week, (5) enjoying meals with family and friends, (6) drinking red wine in moderation (optional), and (6) getting plenty of exercise.

To learn more about adopting the Mediterranean Lifestyle click the link below to my recent article published in Clay Today…

“Adopting the Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle in Florida” By Annie Sheldon, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

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