The Vegiterranean Diet

Diet is not really a happy word, it immediately gets your brain envisioning scenes of deprivation and scarcity. In reality, most of the time diet means a way of eating. The market is flooded with all kinds of diet plans that promise to make you look like a slim diva in record time. Realistically though, eating food straight from the earth is the optimal approach to health and permanent weight control. I recently thumbed through a new book, The Vegiterranean Diet and I like that it offers a new and improved Mediterranean eating plan. It’s perfect for those just starting out on a plant-based diet.

It’s been long touted that the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions. The book starts off with why this diet can be credited for creating vibrant health. Mediterranean regions are loaded with fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. In general, people who live in these regions avoid meaty diets common in North America and it’s reflected in your health.

Part two is where the action starts. There are three C’s of how we eat, compassion, carnism, and (over) consumption. It will walk you through the difference between the Mediterranean and Vegiterranean diet. It will also share why animal products are the leading causes of chronic diseases and environmental issues.

Food is so deeply interlaced with our personal culture, traditions, love, nourishment and comfort. We get emotional about our food and this can cause a hesitation in changing our eating habits and food behaviors. But, the program will transition you into a new lifestyle with ease and joy.

Chapter 5 introduces us to a new Food Pyramid where a Mediterranean and Vegiterranean diet have been merged together to form an ideal plan. Chapter 6 will walk you through dietary supplements and critical vitamins we need in our diet. Chapter 7 offers five tools for success and the ACHIEVE method. There’s a 21-day meal plan with easy to make recipes. There are also lots of tips on dining out, visiting and traveling.

I’ve tried a few of the recipes, they’re not only nutritious, but they’re also so easy to whip up and use regular ingredients. My favorite is the Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie. It’s yummy and it’s chock full of immune-boosting carotenoids.

This book is shared and featured in a practical way, it’s full of nutritional information and offers a wonderful collection of healthful recipes. It’s definitely a valuable book for our collection.

Disclaimer: I received product to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.