You may think the Mediterranean diet is another fad, like Atkins or Whole 30 but the term was first coined in the 1950s when researchers discovered that heart disease wasn’t as common in Europe as it was in the U.S. – specifically countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea: Greece, Italy, France and Spain. So, what makes their diet so healthy? Read on.

Why the Mediterranean diet?

For the record, Freskos is a Greek Restaurant – we’re not doctors. Some doctors and researchers have found that the Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating plan that helps prevent heart disease and even stroke. By eating fresh, healthy foods, and incorporating traditional flavors and cooking methods, you could be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. And it’s truly delicious, too!

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet includes plant-based foods, such as vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits, nuts and herbs as the foundation. Meals are built around vegetables and whole grains – like Greek salads and orzo. Plus, by nature of being close to the sea, the diet incorporates fish and seafood, as well as dairy and poultry. And of course, a European diet wouldn’t be complete without olive oil – a source of fat (but it’s the healthy kind). However, who can say no to red meat and sweets? The Mediterranean diet includes these luxuries only in moderation. (Like when you absolutely can’t resist our traditional lamb and beef gyro!)

What’s a “healthy fat”?

You’ve heard of “good fats” and “bad fats,” right? Mediterranean cooking uses olive oil which provides monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fat lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (“bad”) cholesterol levels. Fatty fish, like sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, herring and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acid and polyunsaturated fats. It's those omega-3 fatty acids that you can thank for lowering the risk of stroke and heart failure. Note: The Mediterranean diet recommends eating fish at least twice a week.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle

In addition to eating fresh vegetables, fish, beans and whole grains – the Mediterranean way is also about sharing food with family and friends, and enjoying a healthy, active lifestyle. After dinner, Greeks may go for a walk, or take a swim in the salty Mediterranean. At Freskos – we embrace this lifestyle too, offering our customers the freshest Greek salads with imported Feta, delicious home-made hummus and our fish gyro – all large enough for sharing with family and friends. We’re proud to offer the greater New Haven area a healthy alternative to fast-food, in a cheerful, casual setting where you can bring the family. Come in and experience a taste of Greece – and don’t miss the classics: gyros, pitas and tzatziki all painstakingly prepared from my grandfather’s recipes. Apolamváno! (Enjoy!)