Hi Folks. Guess what today is? If you correctly guessed “What I Ate Wednesday,” then you are very smart and get a gold star with sparkles. If you’re new to this party, well then grab your leggings, your largest bangles, your highest heels and get ready to get down: Mediterranean style. After you finish breaking it down, head on over to Peas and Crayons and give Jenn some love for hosting the party.
“What are the benefits of a Mediterranean diet?” you ask.
Basically, it “reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet/CL00011
How’s that for bad ass? The real reason I love the Mediterranean Diet is because it taste great (less filling), is herbivore friendly and heavy on the veggie loving (sorry Paleo’s).
Every so often, I go on these little food kicks, and it’s generally because my body is craving whatever vitamins and nutrients are in the foods I’m fixated on. At least this is what my non-medical background would suggest. Remember when I was cuckoo for coco puffs? Oh wait, it was spinach, and Fergie and I just can’t get enough. “Boy I think about it every night and day. I’m addicted wanna jump inside your (greens). I wouldn’t wanna have it any other way I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough.”
Well, this past weekend, I was craving all things Mediterranean, and truthfully I blame Jessie over at her place, where she loves to run. You see Jessie is going to explore the Greek Islands, and I’m doing a guest post while she’s gone. In order to get in the correct frame of mind for the post, I had to review some of my own vacation pictures when the Hubby and I explored Athens and then relaxed on the cool island of Santorini. It was a picturesque and magical vacation (especially Santorini), and I’m sad to say, I’m no longer allowed back in the country…not unless I pay the ridiculously expensive subway fine (it’s a crazy story, which involves an overzealous Metro cop).
In any event, perusing through our pictures make me crave the simple, yet impactful flavors of the Mediterranean. So that’s what I explored this weekend. And when I think Mediterranean, I picture these flavors: feta cheese, tomatoes: sun-dried and beefsteak, garlic, red onions, olive oil, and artichokes.
If any of these items are out-of-place, I am horrible at geography and cannot be held accountable for misrepresentations. However, I can confirm my cooking concoctions were crazy good. So hop on the Mediterranean boat and let’s get it on, Marvin Gaye style.
Pizza, pizza, pizza…on a whole wheat herb crust smothered in all the deliciousness mentioned above. And because I was stuck on this fabulous flavor combo…
Whole wheat penne with kalmata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, mozzarella and artichoke hearts….it was so good I might have licked the bowl clean (I actually did – I have no shame).
And since no Mediterranean diet would be complete without fruits and veggies.
In my next post, I will do shadow puppets with fruit…ok, not really.
A massaged Kale salad, or Kale two ways (too bad this wasn’t in last week’s Big “O” edition).
Classic green salad with romaine lettuce, green peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, a hard-boiled egg, and Asiago cheese.
And I might have changed my morning smoothie from fruits to veggies.
More on this tomorrow….ya like that, it’s a teaser. I learned it from the Housewives of every county.
And for the grand finale, Oscar says, “Good Night,” or “Meow” or whatever little six-week old kitty cats say. By the way, he is a boy, and he weighs in at 1 pound, 1 ounce. Good stuff. It’s all unicorns and kittens over here.
Do you like to relive vacations through food? What’s your favorite vacation spot for eating?
Antonia @ Health Inspirations says
I love mediterranean food so much. It’s fresh, light and delicious. Definitely one of my favorite cuisines…happy WIAW 🙂
Meghan says
Thanks. Happy WIAW to you too.
Liz says
My fav vacation spot for eating was Montreal. Fresh mussels and french eateries everywhere, the best coffees… ahhh. Never tried the local speciality, poutine. They make it vegetarian but lost me at “cheese curds” everytime. I guess I am not that dedicated a foodie yet.
Your food pictures are GORG, as always. Makes me hungry for a salad, even at 9 a.m. 🙂
Meghan says
Ah, french food. The pastries, the sauces, the cheese. I’ll have to make a plan to go to Montreal. It sounds delicious.
Da says
“this past weekend, I was craving all things Mediterranean”
What about “fish & seafood” a very important and significant part of the pyramid???
Balance & moderation!!
Meghan says
I’m still scared of fish…maybe one day.
MassachusEATS says
Yummmmmmm, that pizza looks great!
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
I love the concept of this wa of eating…healthy fats, loads of veggies, and whole grains- what could be better? Great post:)
eatandgetmoving says
I love the Mediterranean Diet / lifestyle! I’ve never been to Spain, Italy, Greece, or any of those countries unfortunately.. but food wise I think they’d be my first choice ORRRR maybe Thailand. I love good, fresh Thai food!
Meghan says
Thai food is fabulous too. I’ve only had it once, but I liked it. I definitely need to try more. Great tip.