Low Carb vs Mediterranean Diet (Which Is Better)

A Low Carb Diet vs The Mediterranean Diet: They're both good, but which is better?

 

There are a number of things we like about the so-called “Mediterranean Diet,” and there are some good reasons why it’s popular.

The Mediterranean Diet is derived from the traditional eating habits of people who live around the Mediterranean Sea in countries like Greece and Italy, and it’s based on natural, whole foods from a variety of sources. So that means lots of fish, vegetables, and satisfying, healthy fats such as olive oil. We like all that.

Another plus for this way of eating is that it’s not a calorie-counting plan. In fact, it’s not really a weight-loss diet, but sometimes people do lose weight when going with the Mediterranean Diet just because they shift their focus away from sugary processed foods, which the Mediterranean Diet mostly excludes.

So far, so good?

Yes, but the Mediterranean Diet also encourages the consumption of grains, which includes breads and pastas. And grains – even whole grains – cause a spike in blood sugar and insulin. Also recommended in the Mediterranean Diet are lots of legumes, like chick peas and lentils, which are pretty high in fiber but on the flip side, extremely high in carbs. And last, the Mediterranean Diet encourages lots of fruit, and while fruits do have their health benefits (vitamins, antioxidants) most of them also deliver a big load of sugar. So once again the results is a spike in blood sugar and insulin, and you’re back on what we call the sugar-and-carb roller coaster.

So if you chose to go with the Mediterranean Diet, it would be a great way to eat as long as you focused on the fish-and-vegetables part of it, and not so much on the grains, legumes, and fruit part of it.

But hey, now you’re talking about a low-carb diet.