Diets aren’t created equally. There are many fad diets made popular by celebrities and many are far from being sustainable due to their restrictive nature. Getting it off is one thing, keeping it off is another. The Mediterranean diet can be exempted from the fad diet list as it is classified as being a healthy, balanced, and very sustainable diet.
The Mediterranean diet is largely plant-based, but still includes many foods that may not be included in some diets, such as grains and some dairy products. This can raise the question of its effectiveness in losing weight, and just as importantly, can it aid in eliminating or reducing the accumulation of dangerous belly fat.
First, let’s take a look at why belly fat is so harmful to your health and why it’s important to lose any belly fat.
Harmful Belly Fat Can Affect Your Health
Belly fat accumulates within a person’s abdomen from a combination of diet and lifestyle. Unlike the body fat you see on your legs or arms, belly fat is much more harmful. It is not subcutaneous fat like you see on your limbs, it is visceral fat that is deep inside your body and wrapped around your organs. It’s the fat that contributes to many cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack and may lead to insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, etc.
Subcutaneous fat can be eliminated relatively easily through diet or exercise, whereas accumulated visceral or organ fat requires sustained efforts for it to be eliminated. Belly fat is the first to be laid down and the last to be released. This is where a sustainable and healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet can be of help.
How The Mediterranean Diet Can Aid in Reducing Belly Fat
To aid in eliminating or reducing the presence of harmful belly fat you need to eat the right types of food to assist the process. You need to eat balanced meal portions and choose foods from the huge variety of delicious Mediterranean foods. The Mediterranean diet is mostly made up of fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, seeds, eggs, olives and olive oil, moderate portions of fish and kinds of seafood, and some dairy products, such as soft cheeses and yogurt.
By following this diet, where there are no stringent caloric restrictions, it’s easier to enjoy your food and feel fuller longer. The need or want for grabbing unhealthy sugary foods and drinks is reduced, as your hunger pangs and cravings reduce over time too. They are all minimized after eating a healthy balanced meal.
However, reducing belly fat goes beyond just eating healthy foods. It is a combination of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. It often requires a huge change in what you are currently doing. If you want to effectively reduce and ultimately, eliminate belly fat in your body, the Mediterranean diet may be for you.
By following the diet and the healthy lifestyle approach that is part of it, the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle can effectively help reduce belly fat and overall aid in weight management.
Mediterranean Diet and Weight Loss
If you focus on the nutritional efficacy of the Mediterranean diet, it can be seen as to why people can lose weight following the Mediterranean diet compared to many who choose a low-fat diet.
This diet is often recommended for people that are struggling with obesity and who are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.
In Summary
The Mediterranean diet can help in managing weight and effectively eliminating belly fat if followed long term. It’s not a ‘get thin’ quick diet! It’s a diet for life, and a longer life at that.
You can restore your body to health by eating healthy foods and partaking in regular exercise. You will already know that, but finding a sustainable diet to help reach your goals can be a challenge. Now the challenge is to lose weight and belly fat because you have just come across the Mediterranean diet that will help you do just that!
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