The Mediterranean Heart Diet. How It Works and How to Reap the Health Benefits, with Recipes to Get You Started

If you want a cookbook this is it. Three fourths of this book is recipes. I havent tried any yet since the book was such a disappointment. I bought the book expecting to be able to incorporate the mediterranean diet into my lifestyle, but mainly got nutritional information. There was very little information on how to eat this way. There are lists of foods that you can eat but every nutritional book I have gives lists of foods. I was expecting more. Like what should I be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner....the book does give a one day menu for women and a one day menu for men but thats not enough. So if you are looking for a cookbook you found it but if you are looking for something to show you how to eat the mediterranean way this book barley scratches the surface. I will be searching for another book on the subject.

I cook for my father who recently had bypass surgery, he also has congestive heart failure. The Mediterranean diet was recommended for him. I love this book, so far every recipe I have tried from Artichoke/hazelnut soup to the Beef stew to the Meatballs mozerella has been wonderful. The description of the diet in the beginning of the book is helpful and thorough. A plus for me was that a Registered Dietitian was involved in the writing of the book. I think the recipes in the book are easy and doable for everyone. (I have read other Mediterranean cookbooks which have very difficult and exotic recipes.) Its a good starting book if you want to try a healthful diet.

Mediterranean food is delicious, easy, relatively inexpensive and surprise. healthy. For 50 years, doctors have observed that Mediterranean people are much less likely than those in more industrialized countries to suffer heart disease or strokes. The Mediterranean Heart Diet. Why It Works, with Recipes to Get You Started, by Helen V. Fisher (Posh Pancakes and Fancy Fritters) with Cynthia Thomson, Ph.D., R.D., attributes the regions health to lower saturated-fat consumption and plenty of whole grains, and offer easy recipes like Polenta with Tomato and Fontina. Fisher and Thomson also advocate the Mediterranean lifestyle. eating at least one meal a day with companions and more physical activity. Sadly, they neglect to recommend lolling on the beach ogling attractive Mediterraneans.

The Mediterranean diet is certainly one of the better nutritional gimmicks embraced by the American public. Fisher explains the medical rationale behind this popular diet and provides details on the diet and exercise combination, which has been proven to be healthier than the American way of life. Mediterranean fare is highlighted through the use of a modified food pyramid that emphasizes breads, pasta, rice, and whole-grain foods. Phytochemicals, the foods in which they are contained, and their potential benefits are discussed. Over 140 recipes, including appetizers, soups, salads, grains, seafood, meats, vegetable, breads, and desserts, are simple and appealing. A good, basic book for those collections needing information on the subject.