Mediterranean diet -- anyone else?

[Owlie]

I'm sure some of you have read about this recent study:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/26/he...anted=all&_r=0

Just wondering if anyone is still eating a Mediterranean-type diet? I know Paleo, low-carb, and gluten-free are all the rage, but I've always been a bit skeptical of anything that is "the rage". For instance, I was eating low-carb in the year 2000, when most were still eating low-cal or low-fat. Lost 15 lbs. off my small frame and have kept it off (primarily through exercise, as I went off low-carb years ago), for the most part, ever since.

Anywho...without really trying, my DH and I eat closer to a Mediterranean diet than anything else. We eat very little red meat, nothing fried, mostly just chicken breast when we do eat meat. Would like to eat more fish, but it's not easily available fresh here (amazingly, and very sadly!) We eat lots and lots of veggies, supplemented by lots of beans, walnuts and peanuts; whole-wheat couscous, pasta, and tortillas; a bit of cheese, but not a lot, and a ton of fruit. Lots of olive oil and tomato products. Not much wine since it is so pricey here, but we'll be changing that when we move back to the US -- wine will be our "go to" adult beverage of choice. (I can't wait! I have missed wine a LOT.)

I agree with you. I'm skeptical of all the "wheat is the devil!" stuff, barring allergy/Celiac disease, of course. That said, I do better on a lower-carb diet--I'll still happily eat rice, but I'll eat less of it and slightly more meat or veggies.

Most traditional diets, with the exception of near-Arctic peoples', have relatively little meat in them, because it was expensive. I'm sort of surprised that the Paleo diet thing has taken such a hold, given that some of the longest-lived populations have a diet that is quite heavy on rice and soy. I love bacon, but I'm not sure it's that good for you. (Am I going to be stoned to death for this? )

My own diet is a mix. Whole grain cereal and bread (except sourdough), but not pasta because I don't like the texture, a mix of red meat and chicken, with occasional fish (salmon or tuna, normally), and I'm trying to get more fruit and veggies in there--I'm much better at the fruit/veggies thing in summer. Not a ton of legumes outside of hummus or in soups (don't care for them). Olive oil is my primary cooking oil, though I'll cook eggs or caramelize onions in butter. I do love cheese, but I don't eat a ton of it. Nuts are one of my go-to snack foods, mostly toasted almonds or walnuts.


I'm also not keen on demonizing food. Everything (including dessert!) in moderation.