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7 Reasons to Love the Mediterranean Diet

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1. Surprise! No Calorie Counting

Eat your fill of flavorful veggies and beans. Nuts are good, but stick to a handful a day. You can have whole-grain bread and wine, but in moderate amounts. 

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2. The Food Is Really Fresh

Build a yummy salad from spinach, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Add in classic Greek ingredients like black olives and feta cheese with light salads. 

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3. You Can Have Bread

Try whole-grain pita bread dipped in olive oil, hummus, or tahini (a protein-rich paste made from ground sesame seeds). 

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4. Fat Isn't Forbidden

These fats (not the saturated and trans fat hidden in processed foods) add flavor and help fight diseases from diabetes to cancer. A simple pesto is a tasty way to get some into your diet. 

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5. The Menu Is Huge

It's more than just Greek and Italian cuisine. Look for recipes from Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and other countries.  

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6. The Spices Are Delicious

Bay leaves, cilantro, coriander, rosemary, garlic, pepper, and cinnamon add so much flavor you won't need to reach for the salt shaker.  

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7. It's Easy to Make

Greek meals are often small, easy to assemble plates called mezzes. For your own serve-it-cold casual meal, you could put out plates of cheese, olives, and nuts.