I've Lost Weight with the Mediterranean Diet

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Yesterday, I wrote a post on my social media about losing 15+ lbs on the Mediterranean diet over the last two months. I received a couple of messages asking about which cookbooks and websites I was using, so I figured it might be easier for me to list them here for convenient reference. I thought it would save me from all the copying and pasting in my life.

Here’s a post I made on Facebook today on my personal page:

It reads: I heard something profound, at least to me, from a sales associate at a health food store this week. She said something like, ‘You should be eating what your heritage eats. That’s what’s healthy for your body specifically.’ And it dawned on me that Spain is in the Mediterranean, which makes up the largest percentage of my ancestry, followed by indigenous to Mexico (the two are almost equal), and then several African countries as well as Asian countries in much smaller increments. It’s no wonder Mediterranean has been the easiest diet I’ve ever tried. I don’t feel like I’m dieting at all. I’ve lost 18 lbs in two full months so far. And I don’t feel deprived or hungry for sweets. Whether or not her theory is true, I believe it is for me. I’m basically eating 80% Mediterranean, 15% Mexican, and 5% restaurants/non-Mediterranean food when I don’t have much choice (but I still pick the healthy options). I am not allowing myself to feel guilty if I eat something that is not ‘approved’ because in those times it’s usually out of my control. And when it is within my control, it’s usually as a treat so that I don’t slip backward. No guilt here! Below is what my plates look like these days! I only use avocado oil (for cooking and in condiments) and olive oil (for salads) when making food at home. My go-to meal if eating at a restaurant is a market salad, a bowl with grains, or a Mediterranean-style meal. So far, I haven’t seen a positive change in my migraine attacks, fibromyalgia, or nerve pain, but that’s okay. I feel better body-wise, and that’s just as important to me. Why am I trying a diet again? Because of fatty liver. My doctor gave me three months to lose 15 lbs, and I’ve already shattered that idea already!! Really hoping this time sticks!

My Favorite Cookbooks

Here are a couple of cookbooks I’ve been using to help me through this. As I use more, I will update this list.

1 My Amazon Pick

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

There are so many good recipes in here! What I love most is that there’s pictures with every one.

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2 Migraine Favorite Pick

The Mediterranean Migraine Diet by Alicia Wolf & Shin C. Beh, MD, FAAN, FAHS

I had just started the Mediterranean diet when I heard Alicia, aka The Dizzy Cook, was publishing a new cookbook! Perfect timing and delicious recipes.

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Mediterranean Diet Pinterest Board

In addition to cookbooks, I’ve also been pinning recipes on Pinterest. Here’s my board if you want to follow!

How I Make My Plate

For the most part, I’m making sure to follow the Canadian plating method when I go out to eat or cook at home. This plate closely resembles the Mediterranean diet.

I’m By No Means An Expert

Just like the heading says, I am definitely no expert in the Mediterranean diet. I know what’s been working for me and what I’ve used. I’ve learned a lot about how my body reacts to certain carbs, both simple and complex. I’ve learned what oils are best for my body. If you have questions, feel free to ask!