Why I Committed to the Mediterranean Diet
Why I Started This Diet
I embarked on this diet journey primarily to enhance my overall health and well-being. Faced with challenges such as low energy levels and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, I realized a change was necessary. Researching various dietary options led me to focus on a balanced approach that emphasizes whole foods, portion control, and mindful eating. By incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into my meals, I’ve not only improved my physical health but also gained clarity in my mental well-being. This diet has become a lifestyle commitment, motivating me to stay active and make informed food choices, ultimately fostering a healthier relationship with food.
I just had my annual check-up with my doctor, which included lab work. For eight years, my cholesterol has been over 200, and I attributed it to menopause and hypothyroidism. I had more excuses than Heinz has varieties, convincing myself that my diet had little effect on my cholesterol levels. However, paying attention to the warning signs from my body was far more important.
After my husband and I retired, we moved from the Northeast of the United States to the South. Not only was it more affordable, but life was also much less hectic. I distinctly remember my husband saying before he retired, “I’m not going to be one of those people who retires and then dies.” Ironically, just two months after our move, he had a near-fatal heart attack. Thankfully, relocating to the South turned out to be the best decision we could have made. The cardiologist who treated him in the ER saved his life, and we both sighed with relief, vowing to prioritize our health.
Initially, fueled by the fear of death, we made positive changes to our diet, eating more fruits and vegetables while reducing high-fat and junk foods. However, like many people, we gradually slipped back into our old habits. Our weights fluctuated over the years, and eventually, you reach a breaking point where you must listen to your body.
The Wake Up Call
Going back to my latest lab results, my doctor was concerned that my cholesterol levels remained high. Over the years, I have tried numerous diets, including Keto, which unfortunately raised my cholesterol even more. I used Keto as an excuse to indulge in high-fat foods and any sugar-free desserts I could find, which certainly wasn’t a healthy approach. Clearly, I was heading in the wrong direction.
I could no longer ignore the connection between diet and cholesterol. While I had managed to lose 30 pounds (partly due to Keto), I was still far from healthy. My husband was in a similar situation; he had also gained significant weight, putting his heart health at risk. I believe he’s been in denial about it as well.
I had heard about the Mediterranean diet before, but I never thought I could commit to it. The idea of giving up sugar and carbs seemed impossible. Give up cookies? No way! While I had reduced my snacking, it wasn’t sufficient. I also attempted and failed at eating only meat and fruit. Those cookies always beckoned to me, and I always succumbed. I used to think I had control and could eat whatever I wanted. However, that mindset eventually catches up with you.
The Commitment
One night, while we were out for pizza, I discussed the idea of trying the Mediterranean diet with my husband. He seemed open to the change, although not as enthusiastic as I was. I suggested we start slowly, cooking a few meals each week that aligned with the diet. I looked up simple recipes that I thought we would both enjoy, keeping the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) in mind. However, we had a lot of unhealthy food in our pantry that I had recently purchased. I sighed, realizing we would have to gradually use those items up without replacing them.
He mentioned that instead of munching on cookies at night, he would try to eat more fruit. Of course, he immediately reached for fruit bars, which are loaded with sugar, but I told him it’s all about making small steps. He also asked if he could still eat salad. I responded, “It’s up to you how invested you want to be. I’m not the food police.” We both needed to move at our own pace.
Surprisingly, I have quickly embraced this new diet. I’ve started eating foods I never thought I would enjoy, such as hummus, feta cheese, plain yogurt, and whole grain sprouted bread. I still indulge in plant-based cookies, but I dip them in chocolate dessert hummus (which is delicious!). We’re both consuming more fruits and vegetables, and that’s a win-win for us. It’s important for us to give ourselves time and grace during this transition.
The Beauty Of The Med Diet
The Mediterranean lifestyle doesn’t follow a strict approach. A dietitian once advised me to focus on adding foods rather than subtracting them. If you remove all the joy from eating, success is unlikely. Some days, I may not feel like cooking, and frozen meals like Stouffer’s might be on the menu, and that’s okay. Our main goal is to prioritize whole foods while minimizing sweets and processed items. I also utilize shortcuts, such as frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, as well as quality bottled salad dressings. The simpler, the better.
The Mediterranean diet includes dishes from Greek, Spanish, and Italian cuisines, offering a great opportunity to explore new foods. I often ask myself, “Would a Spanish, Italian, or Greek grandmother eat this?” If the answer is yes, I feel good about my choices. However, I am sure those grandmas also treat themselves occasionally, and that’s perfectly fine too.