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September 3, 2022 · 7:27 AM

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Shana Spence, RD, wrote at Self.com:

The Mediterranean weight-reduction plan is consistently lauded within the diet world—in actual fact, US Information has named it the “finest weight-reduction plan total” for 5 years straight—however as a registered dietitian, I feel it is time to consider it just a little in a different way: It is time to dethrone the Mediterranean weight-reduction plan as being the perfect strategy to eat.

Now, the Mediterranean weight-reduction plan—which emphasizes entire grains and plant meals comparable to fruits, greens, legumes, tree nuts, seeds, and olives, and limits pink meat, sugar, and saturated fats—just isn’t the one culturally primarily based method of consuming that is been celebrated. The Japanese weight-reduction plan, wealthy in meals comparable to seafood, steamed rice, tofu, natto, seaweed, and pickled vegetables and fruit, has been promoted for its longevity-promoting facets as nicely. However as scrolling by way of social media and even many information and well being web sites will present, it nonetheless does not come near the Mediterranean weight-reduction plan when it comes to widespread recognition.

As an RD, I’ve seen an amazing perception in our society that Mediterranean-style consuming is simply the best way to go. So in case your cultural meals do not hail from one of many nations that make up that space, how does this make you’re feeling?

Spoiler: In all probability not so good—and that is why I consider we have to rethink how we discuss cultural meals and methods of consuming.


I am a Mediterranean weight-reduction plan advocate. There are different wholesome methods of consuming. I am an advocate of free speech and open debate. No censorship right here! Learn it and see what you assume. I am undecided what the “Japanese weight-reduction plan” is. I’ve written good issues concerning the Okinawan weight-reduction plan as mentioned in Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones books. Click on for my assessment of Blue Zones.

Steve Parker, MD

front cover of Conquer Diabetes and Prediabetes