When I lived in a big city, I used to love treating myself to lunches at trendy salad spots. Tasty as these take-out meals were, they were terrible for my wallet, and I didn't have full visibility into or control over the ingredients that went into them. I've since turned into an avid meal-prepper and make my own lunch - almost always a fiber- and protein-packed grain bowl - for a fraction of the price.
Olive oil is one of the best oils for your diet. It is rich in amino acids, healthy fats, and antioxidants, and may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. It is a key ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, along with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy grains. And, even though America's food pyramid has been recently flipped upside down to focus on full-fat dairy and animal proteins, following the Mediterranean Diet is internationally recognized as one of the best for your health.
A Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of every type of stroke, in some cases by as much as 25%, a large study conducted over two decades suggests. A diet rich in olive oil, nuts, seafood, whole grains and vegetables has previously been linked to a number of health benefits. However, until now there has been limited evidence of how it might affect the risk of all forms of stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US, but research has found that eating a Mediterranean-style diet and being physically active can help lower the risk. The American Heart Association's dietary guidelines recommend prioritizing fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins such as fish, and limiting ultra-processed foods and refined sugar. That may sound like a lot, but Matthew Landry told Business Insider that you don't necessarily need to overhaul your diet to improve your heart health.
As a dietitian and devoted follower of the Mediterranean diet, my love for Costco runs deep. An eating pattern rooted in fresh, whole foods, and a warehouse store famous for its bulk buys may seem like an odd pairing, but hear me out. The Mediterranean diet is all about nutrient-dense staples like olive oil, nuts, whole grains, legumes, fresh produce, lean proteins, and other heart-healthy fats.
It gets more complicated once you start focusing on specific nutrients. Striking the right balance of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, healthy fats like omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals can feel like a full-time job. Luckily, there are people out there whose job this actually is. We spoke to over 40 registered dietitians, sports nutritionists, longevity scientists, and gut health researchers, all of whom shared their best diet advice with us this year.
Pasta with sauce is, and always will be, one of my most beloved comfort meals. It's also one of the simplest, speediest, and most satisfying combos in my cooking repertoire, serving as a reliable staple at the end of my busiest days. Because I've been trying to reduce the amount of ultra-processed foods in my diet, I've experimented with homemade sauces that are relatively low-effort yet made with entirely whole ingredients.
The Mediterranean diet - long known to fight off cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer - can also protect your gum health and ward off inflammation, scientists have found. A new study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, revealed that the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, can slash your risk of gum disease and inflammation by up to 65 per cent.
On strength training days, I chug a gloopy concoction of protein powder, higher-protein Fairlife milk, and coffee that has the consistency of drying cement and tastes like I forgot how to love myself. I mix cottage cheese in my eggs and top my berry oatmeal with chia seeds and peanut butter, my head buzzing with all the high-protein swaps I need to make to hit my target protein goal - a whopping daily minimum of 53 grams.
Perhaps second only to the fear of death itself, the one thing I've heard business leaders admit that they fear most is the idea of losing their memory. And that's why I've latched on with gusto to a recent study out of Harvard University, among other institutions, that suggests a simple, straightforward way to improve cognitive health. A Mediterranean-style diet
When I visited Spain and Greece a few years ago, I fell in love with the gorgeous landscapes, the variety of cultures, and, of course, the incredible food. After I returned to the US, I tried to incorporate elements of my trip into my daily life, and one way I did so was by adopting a Mediterranean-style diet. To do so, I prioritize eating fresh produce, healthy fats, and whole grains while limiting my intake of processed foods, red meat, and refined sugars.
While you can see by simply scanning Laurentiis's recipes that she's a big fan of the high-health-ranking Mediterranean diet, she has also admitted as much herself. While talking to Food & Wine, Laurentiis said, "The Mediterranean diet has gained so much worldwide recognition for a reason. It is built on the foundation of using really good, simple ingredients to make extremely flavorful dishes. That mentality has shaped everything I've done in my career in the kitchen."
