Diet Decisions

Many patients ask my opinion on diets and which one I think is best.
Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer.

I believe weight watchers has the best success rate for long term success and lifestyle modification, but the HMR program offered at Floyd and other hospitals is a wonder program for significant weight loss; but it is very regimented and somewhat expensive.

If someone wants to really change to a lifestyle of dietary modification, I believe the Mediterranean diet is the best all around.

The Mediterranean Diet is ideal for people who like to cook, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, want very few dietary restrictions, and are interested in making a permanent lifestyle change.

Moderation is the key and unlike the customary Western style of quickly eating large portions, the Mediterranean Diet places great emphasis on spending time on preparing and enjoying small, tasty meals.

This plan teaches people to choose low-fat, low- cholesterol foods that are packed with flavor and will leave them feeling fulfilled.

The Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, pasta, rice and seeds. Olive oil also accompanies most of these meals as it is a main ingredient in food preparation. Dairy products are consumed in low to moderate amounts in the form of cheese and yogurt and animal proteins are included, but are eaten in lesser amounts when compared to plant proteins.

The Mediterranean Diet was developed because researchers noticed that people who live in the Mediterranean region live longer and have fewer heart attacks than people in other developed countries

Some of the Mediterranean Diet recommendations are:
- Eat lots of complex carbohydrates—breads, pasta, whole grain foods.
- Eat several servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A serving or two of legumes or nuts every day is okay, too.
- Use olive oil and other monosaturated oils (peanut or canola oil) every day.
- Low fat dairy products, like cheese and yoghurt can be eaten every day.
- Eat lots of fish. Most of your “meat” meals should have fish. You can eat fish several times a week.
- Eat smaller amounts of poultry and eggs, but you can still have them several times a week.
- You may have small amounts of sweets a few times a week.
- Eat only very small amounts of red meat, only a few times a month.
- Drink at least six glasses of water a day.
- Drink a little red wine. Most people recommend keeping it to a glass or two a day. You can drink grape juice, if you prefer.

So relax, take time for the meals and enjoy the companionship of family and friends as you eat better and become healthier.