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[T591]The Mediterranean Diet Recipes

by Virginia Bola, Vir

Apart from the desire to make the book look larger and therefore more worth its inflated price, why should we be so interested in studying foods and ways to serve it when we are trying to avoid it as much as possible?

It is inconceivable that we have reached adulthood without the basic skills to boil, bake, steam, or roast our food.

We all know that these are the only low fat methods we should be using on any diet. And whatever we eat, plainer is better to control calories.

So what are all these recipes doing in a book that is supposed to be redirecting our attention away from food?

Is it a case of mutual fool-yourself-time?

The diet authors know that unless their menus have taste, and enticing pictures or detailed ingredient lists, no one will select their plan and they'll lose money. In their real diet plan outline, they identify what is allowed and what is forbidden. Their recipe section might have been written by someone else. Certainly there are substitutions made to qualify as diet food but desserts, dips, and brunches?

Unless you're a marathon runner (who is unlikely to have overweight problems anyway), why would you ever think that a weight loss diet includes dessert? Dieting is about the exclusion of certain foods. Substitution may work well for basics such as salad dressings and entree additions, but complete elimination of dessert, colas, and candy are an absolute given if your weight control plans are to have any chance of success, The fact that chocolate has some acceptable nutrients doesn't mean that it belongs on a weight loss diet. (I know that some diet guru is, even as you read this, developing a chocolate diet that will bring in millions!)

We bury our heads in the sand, keep taunting ourselves with those addictive sweet flavors, and crow about the minimal number of calories in a serving of the dish (a thimbleful size - check the small print on how many people this little dish is supposed to serve).

Admit it, the only reason we crave recipes is to spice something up, to increase our pleasure and make the whole dieting task less painful. We can eat food plain without any fancy recipes but that would be no fun.

So we convince ourselves that all the stuff we are adding to our basics: low fat gravy, liquid margarine instead of butter, lemon and capers in place of tartar sauce, vinegar and oil rather than creamy Ranch, and a variety of sugar substitutes are all allowed in our plan so we might as well enjoy.

And then we are surprised and disappointed when the weight loss stops.

It must be my glands!

Scientists and doctors have arrived at a new theory that may help many mothers fight their children's allergies before they are even born. Evidence found that mothers who consumed foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and olive oil could lessen their child's potential for developing allergies after birth.

The studies observed that a child's diet had little impact on the prevention of allergies - however, foods the mother ate during pregnancy seemed to have a direct connection to allergy development in their children before seven years of age.

The studies conducted in the island of Menorca followed 500 mothers through six years. The studies followed both mothers who had diets rich in oil and fish and those who had poor diets. The results revealed that children born after a fish-and-oil diet during pregnancy had a 45 percent lower risk of developing most common allergies.

These studies found that mothers who ate diets rich in red meat had an opposite result. Their children's risks for developing a range of allergies were increased.

These studies are not without controversy, and many American physicians are sceptical of their validity.

However, this diet should not be overlooked when mothers are deciding which diet to follow during pregnancy. Australian physicians and scientists are tentatively excited about the finding and many believe the theory that a mother can influence her child's health, including potential for allergies, was entirely plausible.

Menorca, where the trials were conducted, is the second in size of the Balearic Islands. This destination is far quieter than neighboring Mallorca and offers far more family-friendly activities and attractions. The south side of the island offers plenty of beautiful beaches and resorts, while the northern parts of the island are mostly residential and consist of quiet fishing villages.

Visitors will find plenty of tourist information and a good number of centers dedicated to assisting travellers. The visitor has plenty to discover on Menorca. Annual festivals, art celebrations, sightseeing and general exploration await the curious visitor.

The island might be smaller than its neighbor Mallorca, but offers more beaches than several of the other islands combined. Menorca has been somewhat sheltered through the years and has avoided the mass commercialization that often comes with popular tourist destinations. As a result, the visitor will not be bombarded with schemes and 'tourist traps' as elsewhere. Menorca welcomes families and is known for providing wholesome activities and entertainment.

Many of the popular attractions in Menorca include such facilities as Es Freginal Park, known for its flower exhibits. Placa Alfons III is a plaza offering the finest in cafe culture, shops and a massive tourist information center. The Xoriguer Distillery makes several products, but is primarily known for its gin. Visitors are welcome to attend tasting events and are able to purchase the products made on Menorca.

Menorca also offers several amazing churches constructed at various times in history. Visitors are met with gorgeous Gothic architecture and intricately detailed decor that isn't found anywhere else in the world.

And of course Menorca food offers a great Mediterranean diet!

Article Source : Pg. 199

About Author

Both Virginia Bola & Roger Munns are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Virginia Bola has sinced written about articles on various topics from Employment, Lose Weight and Interview Questions. Dr. Bola is a psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic, specializing in therapeutic reframing and the