Posted at: 05/25/2012 11:56 AM
Updated at: 05/30/2012 11:31 AM
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The One Diet to Follow
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The Mediterranean Diet has a long list of benefits including:
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Increased life span
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Improved brain function
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Better eye health
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Lower risk of certain cancers
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Decreased risk of heart disease and diabetes
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Lower blood pressure levels
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Lower LDL cholesterol levels
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Protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
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Improved rheumatoid arthritis
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Better fertility
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Greater chance of delivering a healthier baby
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Better weight control
Why?
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Major factor: influence on inflammation and oxidative stress
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High in total fat but more than half comes from healthy monounsaturated fat (saturated fats are low)
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High intake of whole foods which means higher fiber, vitamin and minerals and phytochemicals
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Grilled Greek Pizza
Serves 4.
All you need
2 tbsp Grand Selections garlic flavored olive oil
1 thin-crust pre-baked pizza crust
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
3 green onions, sliced
2 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded, chopped
1 cup Hy-Vee reduced fat shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 (2.25 oz) can Hy-Vee sliced ripe olives, drained
All you do
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.
2. Place pizza crust direction over grill grate; brush evenly with olive oil. Cook 3-5 minutes; flip crust and brush remaining side with oil.
3. Sprinkle crust evenly with basil, green onion, tomato, cheeses and olives.
4. Close grill lid and let cook 5-10 minutes or until crust begins to brown and cheeses melt.
Nutrition Facts per serving: 360 calories, 16 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 40 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 15 g protein.
Daily Values: 20% vitamin A, 25% vitamin C, 35% calcium, 15% iron |
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Jen Haugen represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. Jen is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. You can reach her at jhaugen@hy-vee.com or “Like” Jen on Facebook @JenHaugenRD. |
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