Mediterrannean diet

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“The Mediterranean Diet: Is It the Food or the Lifestyle?”
Article: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/22/the-mediterranean-diet-is-it-the-food-or-the-lifestyle/?_r=0
Data Source: http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/make-it-mediterranean
           
          In a new documentary film, “Pioppi Protocol”, led by a British cardiologist, the Mediterranean diet is being re-examined as not only a food approach, but a variety of lifestyle factors that act together.  The film takes place in Pioppi, Italy, where Ancel Keys, the first scientist to boast the advantages of a Mediterranean diet, spent most of his later years.  The average lifespan in Pioppi is 90 years, warranting more research into all factors affecting health in that area.  Other factors observed include: people savoring their food and treating all meals as a social occasion between friends and family, the amount of time people spent outside doing leisurely activities, and seemingly low levels of chronic stress.  Although they found vegetables and olive oil were a staple in all areas, other staples varied by region.  With the release of this film, the filmmakers hope to re-introduce the Mediterranean diet as a whole lifestyle approach, not simply a diet.  Additionally, they have gone to the public to raise money for their film to avoid bias and conflicting agendas from company contributions.
            This film and the research behind it is important for community dietitians because clients are always looking for a quick-fix and new diet trends.  Although the Mediterranean diet provides a healthy balance among all needed food groups and nutrients, it is imperative to educate the community in all aspects that create a healthy lifestyle, and it cannot be produced by diet alone.

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