Health benefits: Extensive research into the diets of thousands of people who eat along Mediterranean lines shows that they are less likely to have heart attacks or strokes, or to develop certain cancers, than people who eat in the northern European style. No matter how healthy a diet is, it is impossible to escape from the energy equation when trying to lose weight, so calorie control is key to avoid overeating on a Mediterranean-style diet. Even so, choosing to 'eat like a Cretan' can be a helpful basis for a calorie-counting eating plan.
Eating out is quite easy as Mediterranean-style food is very popular, indulgent foods, e.g. olive oil and red wine, are recommended as part of the diet. A Mediterranean-style diet can help heart health as well as weight loss.
Portion control is needed to avoid overeating oil-rich food, a diet designed for sunny climates may not be satisfying to eat in northern Europe. A traditional Mediterranean lifestyle is very active: doing plenty of exercise is strongly recommended.
