The Mediterranean Diet Lifestyle and Olive Oil

Being on a diet may seem hard for a handful of us, often resulting in a frequent mindset far more detrimental to our overall health than where we first began.

One of the most effective and rewarding methods to weight maintenance is choosing a “lifestyle diet” over an actual “diet” itself.

One of these lifestyle diets that we have all heard of is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean Diet gives you the opportunity to enjoy an abundance of heart healthy fats from a handful of oils, nuts and seeds. It’s a lifestyle which is seamless, delicious, and provides variety instead of redundancy, and works extremely well.

Let’s face the facts, pouring Olive Oil on something does not instantly deem it to be “Mediterranean”. And although this is true to a certain extent, the parameters of a true Mediterranean diet are extensive.

Generally speaking, the Mediterranean diet is a balanced diet that focuses on heart health through the consumption of antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruit, protein, whole grains, beans, and legumes.

Dried Peas, Dried Beans, Chickpeas, and Lentils

A lovely addition to any diet, pulses contain complex carbohydrates, protein, iron, and phosphorus, just to name a few.

A popular favorite are Garbanzo beans. Also known as chickpeas, Garbanzo beans are packed with nutritional value with a great amount of vitamins and minerals, including folate and iron.

You can also count on reaching satiety a lot sooner due to their rich content of protein and fiber that can help curb your appetite.

Great part about it is that Garbanzo beans can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just as a snack. The key is in the method you decide to prepare them with.

Some Favorites 

1. Try roasting them with your favorite seasonings for a crunchy, heart healthy snack.

2. Or, go for a popular guilt-free crowd pleaser with Hummus, which is a simple and hearty blend of Garbanzo beans, tahini paste, garlic, and lemon juice.

Regardless of your choice, any of these will satisfy every diet, from vegans to meat lovers. Garbanzo beans are truly an incredible way to add variety and nutrition to your plate.