Lunch on the Sunshine Coast will never be the same with the advent of healthy dishes following the Mediterranean Diet. Different people from all walks of life- from celebrities and social media influencers to simple individuals are raving about it. Not only are they raving about the distinct flavour but also how incredibly healthy their dishes are.
Thankfully, there are good Greek/Mediterranean restaurants around the Sunshine Coast to serve the most delectable dishes following the Mediterranean Diet. Well, it’s not so much about them being conscious of their meals following such a diet. It’s not the diet that defines them because it is ingrained in their system. The Mediterranean Diet is their culture, tradition, and way of life.
The Mediterranean Diet is part of the region’s heritage. It’s such a blessing to have a diet packed with health benefits as it defines the unique identity of its inhabitants. Well, as for the rest of the world, everyone just becomes a mere spectator of such a lovely and healthy culture.
At least everyone gets to have a gastronomic slice of what this part of the world offers. At least, there are Greek/Mediterranean restaurants around that let everyone in on the culinary tradition of this region. It’s such a glorious afterthought knowing that everyone can learn the tradition while staying healthy at the same time.
Introduction to the Mediterranean Diet?
To fully understand the beauty of the Mediterranean Diet, let’s dig deeper into it. Here’s an interesting introduction to what the Mediterranean Diet is all about and its other pertinent details. This article serves as a guide as one decides to take the journey to fitness through the Mediterranean way of life.
Mediterranean Diet: Definition and Characteristics
The Mediterranean Diet primarily revolves around a certain lifestyle that prioritizes disease prevention of life longevity. Research conducted in the 1960s revealed that inhabitants of the Mediterranean region had significantly lower rates of heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity. This is also most likely going to be the case when having lunch on Sunshine Coast in a Mediterranean restaurant.
People living in the Mediterranean enjoy good health and an encouraging life mainly because of their wide consumption of plant-based and minimally processed foods. They tend to gravitate towards local produce, most likely grown in their own properties or backyards. Because of the region’s topography, inhabitants are also blessed with an abundant supply of fresh seafood at a relatively cheaper cost.
Mediterranean Diet: Reasons to do it
Easy to follow
The Mediterranean Diet is oftentimes regarded as a diet of inclusion. This means that certain food groups are not eliminated from one’s daily consumption. Instead of focusing on restrictions, Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on what to eat more. Such an approach significantly reduces the feeling of being burdened by control and constraint. Therefore, more people stick to it for thinking about what food groups to enjoy more.
Availability and accessibility
The Mediterranean Diet consists of ingredients readily available in many parts of the world. The staples are commonly found in groceries and are already widely consumed. Such a diet revolves around the use of fresh ingredients carefully prepared in the most traditional way. It is not about special ingredients endemic only to a remote region of the Earth. Everyone has access to good olive oil, lemons, herbs, spices, yoghurt, and seafood, right? Then everything is on track.
Economical
This is perhaps one of the best things about the Mediterranean Diet even when it’s enjoyed at lunch on Sunshine Coast. It is cost-effective and practical. Since Mediterranean dishes revolve around the simplicity of food, no one is subjected to ridiculously priced produce. It is not about what the ingredients are but about how fresh they are. The key is to learn the traditional way of cooking and preparing dishes. The traditional and customary preparation methods achieve that distinct fresh flavour that is characteristic of Mediterranean dishes.
Mediterranean Diet: Health Benefits
Unbeknownst to many, Mediterranean Diet is not just about losing weight. Yes, it’s one of its best bi-products. However, it goes more than just achieving that whistle-bait figure. As one loses weight, other health benefits inevitably follow. Here are just some of the health benefits when following the Mediterranean Diet:
Heart Health
Because of the high consumption of olive oil, beans, legumes, seafood, and fresh herbs, those who follow Mediterranean Diet have significantly had an overall good heart condition. They have considerably lower rates of suffering from heart diseases, hypertension, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. All ingredients mainly used in Mediterranean Diet when combined offer a great level of cardioprotective advantages and benefits.
Lower Cancer Risk
There are certain cancers that may be lessened when sticking to the Mediterranean Diet. It is important to note, however, that this diet does not cure cancer. It mainly prevents it from forming. For one, because of its high fibre component, the risk of developing colon cancer is reduced. Other main ingredients in Mediterranean Diet also have anti-inflammatory properties which promote cancer prevention as well.
Health Mediterranean dishes mostly available for lunch on the Sunshine Coast
Many people stick to the Mediterranean Diet because they don’t feel restricted. Most dishes are healthy and never fall short in the flavour department. Though simple in nature, it never lacks the palatable component. Dishes are never boring. In fact, it can also be rich and robust while comfortably staying within healthy bounds.
Here are just some of the delicious Mediterranean/Greek dishes you can have for lunch on the Sunshine Coast:
Calamari
Calamari is not very typical of a Mediterranean dish. However, it may fall under this category as it is a fresh catch from the sea. Since Mediterranean Diet consists of seafood, calamari may well be enjoyed with the rest of the healthy dishes served on a typical table. Awesome restaurants for lunch on Sunshine Coast like Miss Pickle 1971 expertly mesh the calamari with the rest of the authentic Mediterranean dishes they serve.
Hummus
Hummus is made of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Just by looking at the list of ingredients, it can’t be denied that hummus is tasty and insanely delicious. Even those who don’t appreciate vegetable dishes are surely going to love it. This famous dip may be used to help in weight management and blood sugar control.
Tzatziki
No Greek or Mediterranean dish is complete without this healthy and delicious treat. This low-calorie dip (just like the hummus) is made of Greek yoghurt, cucumbers, and olive oil. It is important to note that Greek yoghurt is creamier and has higher protein content compared to the regular version. This is because the yoghurt has been strained even further to get rid of the liquid whey.
Tzatziki, predominantly made of Greek yoghurt, is high in protein. As such, it is good for muscle building and weight loss. It can help regular hunger pangs and increase metabolism. Many people want to have to just snack on it as it is. However, it is best served as a dip for pita bread and added to grilled meats and seafood.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki needs some claim to fame pretty much like its more famous cousin, the kebab. To those who are not familiar, the souvlaki has small grilled pieces of meat on a skewer. It is ideally made of pork, chicken, or lamb. However, to raise the health level even higher, vegetable versions are also made available.
This delectable meat-on-skewer dish is widely served in Greek fast-food restaurants together with fries and/or pita bread. For a healthier version, the salad may be enjoyed instead of the other fried side dishes. Different kinds of meat have high protein content. Therefore, souvlaki is ideal for building muscle and overall weight maintenance. Think about this when dining in a Greek restaurant for lunch on the Sunshine Coast.
Visit Miss Pickle 1971 Restaurants:
Knox City | Glen Waverly | Casey Central | Point Cook
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