The Advanced Mediterranean Diet

The author's goal is to help overweight people lose weight while eating Mediterranean-style, ultimately leading to better health. Scientists in the mid-20th century found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with longer life and less chronic disease. Dr. Steve Parker (M.D.), enhances the traditional Mediterranean diet by incorporating the latest scientific breakthroughs.

This is not a low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet. The eating plan approximates the traditional Mediterranean diet by suggesting the optimal consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, dairy products, olive oil, meat, chicken, eggs, and fish. Wine is optional.

Four different eating plans are laid out: 1100, 1500, 1900, and 2300 calories. The recommended caloric consumption is determined by the individual's sex and current weight.

Dieters choose from an extensive list of doctor-approved foods that are readily available at supermarkets. Easy recipes are provided but are optional.

The author specifies how much of which nutrients confer the health and longevity benefits. For example, fish is in the traditional Mediterranean diet, but how much and what kind yield the health benefits? The author's clear answer: two servings per week of, preferably, cold-water fatty fish such as trout, salmon, or tuna.

A chapter is devoted to adaptation of the program by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Later chapters explain the pros and cons of weight-loss (bariatric) surgery and weight-loss pills and nutritional supplements. The last chapter discusses long-term weight control issues and prevention of weight regain.