People in the Mediterranean seem to have it good don’t they? Fantastic weather, spectacular scenery and great food, what more could you want? You wouldn’t be blamed for being a little bit envious, but you can have your very own slice of the Mediterranean lifestyle in the shape of Bertolli olive oil spread. This can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet and the flavours in the olive oil spread might just transport you to the Mediterranean; for a second at least.
The great thing about the Mediterranean lifestyle is that food is at the heart of it, and a lot of emphasis is placed on eating tasty and wholesome grub. Not only is this food good for you and delicious, but it is also pretty simple. Few complex cooking techniques are used; instead the ingredients are allowed to shine for themselves. The simplicity means that you can rustle up some of your very own Mediterranean dishes with the aid of some straightforward recipes.
The difficulty that you might have is choosing what to eat. The Mediterranean cuisine is home to some stunning food, with Italian, Spanish and Greek dishes all of the very highest standard. From world-renowned Spanish paella to traditional Italian pasta dishes and Greek salads, you’ll find it hard to select just one dish to cook. The majority of the dishes in these cuisines are pretty healthy and thus can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet too.
Eating Well
The Mediterranean diet is generally looked upon as a healthy one and is recommended by many as being really good for you. The health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine have been promoted for years and it’s not a coincidence that people from that region have a longer life expectancy than most. The widespread use of fresh fruit and vegetables obviously has its benefits, but it is the use of olive oil in cooking that has garnered most attention and has been taken up by many people.
As a principal dietary fat, olive oil is largely used instead of butter and consequently people living in the Mediterranean region consume a lot less saturated fat. Olive oil contains a large proportion of monounsaturated fats and thus olive oil spread is preferable to butter or margarine. Lower blood pressure is just one of the positive impacts of consuming more olive oil in your diet and many studies have been conducted about further health benefits.
The Mediterranean countries have vast coastlines and this results in people in the area making the most of one of their local resources: fish. While red meat is eaten, it is generally consumed more sparsely than in other countries in northern Europe and fish is used more widely in dishes. Spain’s national dish of paella is just one example of this and if you visit any Mediterranean restaurant you won’t be short of fish options. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and oily fish, including anchovies and sardines, is a great source of this unsaturated fat.
In addition to the consumption of olive oil, fish and fresh fruit and vegetables, people from the Mediterranean region are also know to drink their fair share of wine. This certainly sounds like the good life, and there are even health benefits, too. Red wine in particular is a good source of antioxidants and a couple of glasses a day can help to prevent heart disease; as always moderation is the key!
The Role of the Olive in the Acclaimed Lifestyle
Something that people from all over the world can learn from those in the Mediterranean region is how they view food. Many of us are guilty as just looking at it as fuel and making sure we get enough to keep us energised throughout the day. People in the Mediterranean region, though, really value the importance of food and ensure that what they eat is not only tasty, but is good for them too. We must follow their lead and take time to enjoy the simple things in life, such as a great meal with friends and family.
One thing that is to the advantage of the countries that have a Mediterranean coastline is the climate that the region enjoys. Not only does this make the countries perfect for enjoying a stunning meal with a couple of glasses of wine on a mild evening, but it also means that the area is ideal for growing a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. The fertile soils and warm climate have made the region perfect for growing the olive, which over the years has become an irreplaceable part of the Mediterranean diet.
Olives are used in so many dishes in the Mediterranean cuisine that you may struggle to find a meal that doesn’t use the indigenous fruit; but this is no bad thing! You may already enjoy olive oil spread on your toast in the morning and tuck into some fresh olives as a snack in the afternoon, but this might be as far as your olive oil consumption goes.
It’s a completely different story in the Mediterranean, where chefs have perfected its use in a wide range of dishes that are bursting full of freshness and flavour. From enjoying a fresh salad that uses an olive oil dressing, to a crunchy starter of bruschetta that is a perfect combination of salad leaves, ripe tomatoes, olive oil and garlic; the humble fruit is central to many Mediterranean dishes.
Your Own Slice of the Mediterranean Lifestyle
While the food on offer gives you a perfect reason to head to the Mediterranean sooner rather than later, you can enjoy the lifestyle yourself, starting in your very own kitchen. The weather may not always be ideal for an outdoor evening meal, but you can follow the philosophy of enjoying the simple things in life to the full. Compliment this by eating healthily and consuming plenty of olive oil and you can enjoy your very own Mediterranean lifestyle!