FARE CHALLENGE
I’m not usually a person to try whatever new diet is on the market– Paleo, gluten-free, South Beach….there’s a lot of fad diets out there and the research can sometimes be misleading.
Recently, an article written in the New York Times described a study (The New England Journal of Medicine) published that promotes HUGE health benefits of switching to a Mediterranean diet full of extra virgin olive oil, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, beans, nuts, and even a glass (or two) of wine! The research concluded about 30% of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease can be prevented in people at high risk, if they switch to a Mediterranean diet. Now that’s convincing!!!!
The FITgals decided to put me up to the Fare Challenge and have me test out the Mediterranean diet for a week. I followed a FIT meal plan and was surprised at how yummy everything turned out (see a sample and pics below)! The good news was I already incorporated some of these essentials into my current diet, but it was wonderful to have extra motivation to eat healthy. I followed the meal plan for a week, and I loved it! I lost 2lbs, gained energy, slept better, and ate very colorful plates 
All in all, the Mediterranean diet is more of a healthy lifestyle full of good wholesome nutrient rich foods that satisfy your taste buds while not making you feel deprived. The key to this challenge was having a clear framework and menu for the week in order to make healthier choices… even including my vino! Overall, the Mediterranean lifestyle is an easy AND delicious option!
Sample Menu- Day 1
Breakfast: Spinach omelet w/ 1/4 avocado & tomatoes
Snack: carrots and hummus
Lunch: Arugula Chick Pea Salad, 1/2 sliced apple, 1/4 avocado, evoo & vinegar
Dinner: Grilled Salmon with sautéed spinach and quinoa
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Checkout some of the healthy & delicious meals from my menu!
Pan-Seared Salmon with Spinach and Quinoa
Sweetgreen Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado
Tomato Soup with Rice, Kale and Veggies
Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Spinach Salad
Red Pepper and Spinach Omelette with Avocado
Whole Wheat Linguine with Shrimp, Spinach, and Capers
Give it a try and go Mediterranean!
~FITsingle
