The MediterrAsian Way is an eating program that highlights the best features of both the Mediterranean and Asian diets and lifestyles in regard to their beneficial effects on health and weight management. It is promoted as a recipe book and while about half of the book is devoted to recipes it also contains a comprehensive dietary plan.
The authors entice dieters with the promise of being able to eat delicious foods such as pizza, noodles, sushi, and curries ‘all washed down with a glass of your favorite wine or beer’. They state that this way of eating will not only help dieters to stay lean and healthy but will also reduce the risk of many diseases and may actually increase lifespan.
There are many similarities between Mediterranean and Asian cultures and a bulk of scientific evidence indicates that these factors are probably responsible for the superior health of cultures that eat in accordance with traditional dietary practices.
Calorie counts for the suggested meals work out to about half that of a typical Western style meal. The portions are generous, however, the inclusion of a large amount of fruit and vegetables means that the calories remain relatively low while the nutritional quality is high.
Whole grain carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, avocado,olive or vegetable oils, lean poultry, seafood, and tea.
Alcohol in the form of wine or beer is allowed in moderation.
Breakfast Oatmeal with soy milk and raisins |
Morning Snack Raw almonds |
Lunch Greek salad pita pockets 2 apricots |
Afternoon Snack Small bunch of grapes |
Dinner Sicilian Tuna and Basil Pizza 1 glass red wine |
Evening Snack 1 cup strawberries 1/2 cup Greek yogurt |
The Mediterranean and Asian lifestyles generally involve a lot of activity and exercise is promoted as a way to improve health by strengthening the heart and boosting immunity as well as for weight loss.
Dieters are encouraged to increase activity in their daily lives wherever possible such as walking the dog, playing with their children in the park, or doing some gardening.
For those who prefer a more structured program, activities such as tennis, golf, martial arts, tai chi, or yoga are suggested.
Try these exercises as part of the MediterrAsian Way.
The MediterrAsian Way retails at $27.50.
There is certainly a large amount of scientific evidence to support this style of eating and in particular it may be suited to those with a history or risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, even many of these dieters will not respond well to the high carbohydrate content of the diet particularly in the form of grains such as bread, pasta, and rice.
The strength of this program is in the way it considers factors such as physical activity and stress management as being of utmost importance to health and weight loss, rather than just looking at the dietary aspects. For dieters who respond well to this way of eating this program may be maintained as a beneficial healthy lifestyle plan.
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