The truth is, most of us spent the last few months of the year indulging in all our most comforting food cravings. But as the new year approaches, you, like many, may find yourself thinking about declaring a New Year’s resolution that is health or diet related. When you make your resolution, it’s important to be realistic. Don’t opt for some fad diet or even an unattainable goal. It’s important to set goals and resolutions that are actually achievable so you can feel good about them without disappointment.

So if you’re planning to start your new year off on a healthier note, consider the Mediterranean diet. This is a diet that is great for you, delicious, and actually sustainable within the confines of everyday life. You don’t have to deprive yourself of everything tasty! To the contrary, you can still eat really incredible meals while also greatly benefiting your body.

What Does the Mediterranean Diet Entail?

The basis for this popular diet is simplicity. The Mediterranean diet focuses on a few basic components, and they are as follows:

1. Eating mostly plant-based foods– vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts
2. Using healthy fats– such as olive oil
3. Seasoning foods with herbs and spices
4. Eating fish and poultry at least twice per week, and limiting intake of red meat

This diet is all about keeping things simple. No quick fixes or super strict rules involved– just good, clean eating and fresh, delicious food. This is why the diet makes for a great New Year’s resolution. It’s not as difficult to keep up habits like this that offer a little flexibility for meal planning. Plus, it’s not hard to make yourself eat food that’s really good!

The Perks

It goes without saying that clean eating is a healthy habit to work toward. We know that fruits and vegetables are, no doubt, very good for us, while heavy carbohydrates and “junk” foods are not. Another perk of the Mediterranean diet is greater heart health. Limiting red meat and focusing on healthy fats can help contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease and cholesterol problems.

Disease prevention is a major benefit to the Mediterranean diet. In addition to reducing cholesterol and risk of heart disease, this style of eating may also help prevent type 2 diabetes, and can help improve markers of diabetes in people who have already been diagnosed.

Jumpstart Your Resolution at Acropolis

If you choose to try the Mediterranean diet as a part of your resolution this year, come see us at our Hamilton Place restaurant, Acropolis Mediterranean Grill. We have lots of healthy menu options to choose from. Our guests are like family, and we’re here to encourage you with whatever you resolve to do in the upcoming new year!