Mediterranean Living the By Tom O’Brien Sr. Director Perimeter Assortment Obesity. It is an epidemic that has taken the US by storm. In the latest, Health United States, 2011 study done for the Centers for Disease Control, it is estimated that 68.8% of US adults 20 years old and older are overweight, and of those 35.7% are obese. In a similar report done by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, it is estimated that the costs of obesity in the US is $147B per year – or 9% of the annual medical expenditures in the US. And what is even scarier is if the historical trends continue, 51% of the US adult population will be obese by 2030. People, we have to do something! Mediterranean Lifestyle nuts, fish, healthy fats and even red wine. The Mediterranean Diet also acknowledges the importance of social activity and sharing meals with friends and family. Interaction and physical activity are cornerstones of keeping the brain energized and metabolism moving. Some proven health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet include: • Lower risk of heart disease • Lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes • Lower incidence of certain cancers • Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s disease • Protection against chronic illness • Improved cognitive function Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage has identified eight simple steps for “eating the Med way:” • at your veggies…but make them fun E & delicious! Layer roasted tomatoes on a bed of arugula or your favorite green. Sprinkle with chopped Greek The olive tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants known, deeply rooted in cultures around the globe for centuries. The fruit, leaves and branches symbolize peace, wealth, fruitfulness, and purity; and are revered for their wide range of uses from nourishment to medicinal and cosmetic. To the ancient Greeks, the olive tree was a gift from the Gods – a remarkable life-sustaining source of energy, healing and beauty. Today, the olive is an elegant and simple way to entertain loved ones and introduce bold flavors to your favorite recipes, all while reaping a multitude of health benefits. Following the principles of the Mediterranean Diet, using old WaYs to you can create a lifestyle for yourself aCCoMplish neW goals… that accomplishes all of your typical The first thing that comes to mind healthy resolutions. when we feel the need to get healthier is to lose weight. It’s how we accomplish it’s a liFestYle… this goal and integrate these techniques The Mediterranean Diet is a into our daily routines that take a lifestyle, not a fad diet or calorie unique approach and some fresh ideas. counting exercise. It is a way of The newest of those ideas just might living that emphasizes simple and be inspired by one of the oldest tastes minimally processed foods such as known to man…the olive. fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, Fresh Products 2013- 2014 Annual Catalog ~ 35