Mediterranean diet on the decline ... even in countries where it began
In the U.S., when people want to lose weight or at least clean up their diet, they often turn to the Mediterranean diet. Rich in nuts, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil, the diet has been credited for the the long life spans of the people who live in the region where it originated.
But sadly, even in countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, the Mediterranean diet is in decline. Instead, the latest generation of kids enjoy a steady diet of processed foods and sweets, making a whopping two-thirds of them overweight. Health experts and government leaders are aghast and are seeking to designate the diet an "intangible piece of cultural heritage."
In America, where our national foods are hot dogs and apple pie, this might not seem like a big deal. But I find it incredibly sad that these countries are not only losing a significant piece of their history, but along with it wonderful foods that contributed to their longevity.
But sadly, even in countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, the Mediterranean diet is in decline. Instead, the latest generation of kids enjoy a steady diet of processed foods and sweets, making a whopping two-thirds of them overweight. Health experts and government leaders are aghast and are seeking to designate the diet an "intangible piece of cultural heritage."
In America, where our national foods are hot dogs and apple pie, this might not seem like a big deal. But I find it incredibly sad that these countries are not only losing a significant piece of their history, but along with it wonderful foods that contributed to their longevity.








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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-29-2008 @ 12:01PM
Bioretention said...
That's really a shame. It makes me sad to think of such vigorous and beautiful people succumbing to the disgusting obesity of the average American: http://www.bioretention-systems.com
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10-03-2008 @ 3:41AM
ela said...
why did you decide to leave out the countries in the adriatic coast? italy and greece yeah sure but what about montenegro and croatia that lie in between? this isn't a 'diet' it's the only food we have available on the coasts. for inlanders and rural people, eating is different than this 'mediterranean style' you suggest. when you live here you eat what's AVAILABLE.
we don't have 24hr grocery stores with watermelon in december. what's in season is what you eat and forget packaged foods. no one even wants to look at them when they see all the chemicals on the labels. that's not something i see many americans concerned about. it looks good, it smells good...hmm ill eat it...even if it contains Monosodium glutamate or other crazy ingredients.
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