by Eva B. Alexander

1. Can people still enjoy weight loss and effective weight management even if Mediterranean diet is high in fat?
   Mediterranean diet is high in fats. But these consist of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are healthy fats needed by your body. In contrast, the typical American diet is rich in saturated fats. It should be noted also that fat content in your diet does not determine weight loss. It is your calorie consumption that will generally influence weight loss and optimum weight management. Mediterranean diet provides lots of healthy benefits but it is still essential to lower your calorie consumption to achieve better results.

2. What makes the Mediterranean diet different from the common American diet?
   Americans consume high numbers of red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, while the Mediterranean includes very little. The diet also differs from the typical American diet through its dependence on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, breads, cereals, and potatoes.

3. Is it true that Mediterranean diet played a major role in lowering the rate of heart disease in the region?
   Research has indicated that the foods in the Mediterranean diet play an important role in lowering heart disease. Research also indicates that the Mediterranean diet requires a more holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle than most other diets.

4. What is the role of exercise in the Mediterranean diet program?
   Mediterranean diet was developed in the sixties. During those times, exercise and regular physical activities were part of the culture in the Mediterranean region. This is the reason why Mediterranean diet emphasizes on the importance of regular exercise to achieve better health. As a general rule, you should perform a one-hour daily walk and once a week total exercise.

5. How the Mediterranean diet differ from the Low Carb diet?
   The main difference between these two types of diet programs is protein. Generally, Mediterranean diet has low protein content. You will only get about 15 percent of your daily calorie consumption from the proteins of Mediterranean diet.

6. Wine is a regular feature of the Mediterranean diet. Is there a recommended amount for wine consumption each day?
   Men should generally get 5 percent calories from wine while women should consume 2.5 percent calories. As a rule, always drink wine in low to moderate amounts daily to enjoy best results.

7. Final word of advice
   Mediterranean diet is a good program that can help you achieve good health. This type of diet can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. The key is to eat foods that are rich in Omega 3 and combine these with root crops, vegetable, fruits, breads, and cereals.

Eva B. Alexander writes for the mediterranean diet plan blog, her personal hobby website focused on Mediterranean diet healthy eating tips to live better and longer.