The best diet in 2024? Mediterranean and uninhibited!

It's 2024, and guess what? The Mediterranean diet wins again as the best diet of the year. Seventh year in a row, no less! But before you jump to olive oil and tomatoes, let's talk about what it really means.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

Imagine yourself on a sunny terrace in Greece or Italy. Do you see the blackboard ? Olives, grilled fish, colorful vegetables, a glass of red... Well, that's the Mediterranean diet! But be careful, there’s no question of stuffing yourself with four-cheese pizzas while telling yourself that you’re “Mediterranean”. The real Mediterranean diet is much more subtle and balanced than that.

The main thing is to focus on:
- Fruits and vegetables galore (yes, even the vegetables you hated as a child)
- Whole grains (goodbye white bread, hello fiber!)
- Good fats like olive oil and nuts
- Fish at least twice a week (sardines aren't just for cats)
- A little poultry and eggs
- Dairy products in moderation (sorry cheese addicts)
- And red meat... from time to time, for fun!

Why is it so great?

So, hold on: this diet is the Swiss army knife of health. It's good for the heart, the brain, the bones, the joints... In short, it's a bit like the superhero of food. And the best part? This is because it is not restrictive like those crazy diets that make you eat only grapefruit for a week.

My personal opinion? I think it is precisely because it is balanced and not too restrictive that it works so well. You can follow it over the long term without feeling like you're on a diet. And that’s the key!

Traps to avoid

Be careful though, there are traps! Don't fall into the trap of industrial "Mediterranean menus" stuffed with white pasta and cheese. The true Mediterranean diet is homemade with fresh, seasonal products.

And then, let's be honest, a diet isn't just about what you eat. It is also a way of life. People from the Mediterranean basin, they move around, they take the time to eat, they share their meals... In short, they don't stress about food like us!

Little controversial tip: a glass of red wine from time to time is ok. Yes, I know, alcohol is not great for your health. But honestly, if that little glass helps you enjoy your meal and relax, it’s part of the package!

What about other diets then?

Well, the Mediterranean is the champion. But there are other diets that hold up well:

- The DASH diet: perfect if you have high blood pressure. It's a bit like the American cousin of the Mediterranean diet.
- The MIND diet: ideal for keeping your brain in tip-top shape. Basically, it's a mix between Mediterranean and DASH.
- Weight Watchers (or WW now): if you want to lose weight, it's not bad. But personally, I find that counting points can quickly become obsessive.

My advice for 2024?

Stop looking for THE perfect diet. The truth is that it doesn't exist. The best diet is the one you can follow over the long term without worrying. If the Mediterranean diet tempts you, go for it! But adapt it to your life, your tastes, your constraints.

And above all, remember that eating should remain a pleasure. If your “diet” is making you unhappy, it’s not good for you, period.

So in 2024, we eat Mediterranean, we treat ourselves, we move a little, and we stop stressing about food. What do you think?

Come on, to the table!