battuta Halal Travel Magazine | June 2021

Page 58

Diet

The Mediterranean By: Inspire Ihsan

Regardless of all the diet fads that are trendy in our world today, the Mediterranean Diet has managed to consistently stay on top as the best. Ever wondered why?

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o, what is the Mediterranean Diet, you may ask? It is quite simply a way of eating typical of the way the people living in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea traditionally eat. The foods in a typical Mediterranean Diet include fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seafood, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, herbs, and spices. Eating fish several times during the week is encouraged. You may also enjoy poultry, eggs, and dairy products (cheese and yogurt), but in moderation. Red meat is eaten sparingly. Sweets are reserved for special times, and water happens to be the typical Mediterranean drink. The Mediterranean Diet is not just about eating fresh, colorful, delicious, and wholesome food. Even if the word ‘diet’ is mentioned in its name, the tendency is for a holistic approach to eating that involves real food. It is more a lifestyle than a typical diet. It involves healthy food choices that help you achieve balance and harmony in your life. It involves regular physical activity like walking or swimming and, more importantly, sharing meals with family and friends.

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At this point, you may say, what does sharing food have to do with a healthy lifestyle? You will certainly be amazed at how sharing meals profoundly impacts your mood and mental health and helps you appreciate the pleasures of healthy eating and delicious food. Consequently, it enables you to live longer and have a healthier life. Prophet Muhammed PBUH mentioned that we need to eat together and not separately, for the blessing is in being together.


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