Is this nutrition system healthy for kids?
A sustainable diet for children
Let's start right away with an assurance: if you are looking for a balanced, safe, and healthy nutritional system for your children, the Mediterranean diet is unquestionably one of the most excellent options. In the last few years, the Mediterranean diet has been a phenomenal health trend. But can this diet offer benefits for kids, too? According to scientists, the Mediterranean diet is perfect for the whole family, therefore also for children. Recent research found that children who follow a Mediterranean diet are 15 percent less likely to be overweight. Also, some reports advise that the Mediterranean diet in children might be associated with a reduced risk for obesity, asthma, and allergies. The truth is that this is a very sustainable approach to eating healthy because this diet encourages positive habits like including more vegetables and fruits in your family's routine. What is this if not a perfect way to help our children grow, meeting their balanced nutritional needs?
The best overall diet
As the name suggests, this diet is centered on people who live in nations bordering the Mediterranean. This year (the fourth in a row), U.S. News & World Report designated it "the best overall diet." Over the years, scientists found that these populations live longer and healthier. Also, they are less likely to be diagnosed with some illnesses like cancer or heart diseases. Indeed, a Mediterranean-style diet may prevent heart disease, lower the risk of a heart attack, prevent type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It also might help prevent stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia.
Don't call it "diet," call it "lifestyle"
If you are a Mediterranean diet enthusiast, are not following a classic diet with imposed food. This diet will just encourage you to consume healthy food instead of preserved or very refined foods. You will eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains, fish, healthy (unsaturated) fats, such as nuts, olive oil. Incorporating the Mediterranean diet into your daily life can be a sage choice, especially if you consider it a permanent lifestyle.
How to encourage your kids to eat a Mediterranean diet?
For parents who would like to introduce a Mediterranean diet into their children's daily eating routine, here a few tips from Dr. Carolina Vidal (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) as reported by CNN: "Slowly introduce fruits and vegetables, and present them consistently with the other foods they eat. Cutting out sugars and fast food meals and make those sporadic as opposed to a regular meal or snack is very helpful". Dr. Vidal also added an essential suggestion for parents: "Sitting to eat with them and serving as a role model is the best way to introduce a Mediterranean diet."
