A Mediterranean Diet for the Pacific Northwest

The lastest diet study in the news found that type 2 diabetics fared better eating a Mediterranean-style diet than a low-fat regimen. But how does this research, conducted at the Second University of Naples in Italy, fit into our lives here in the Pacific Northwest?

Study author Dr. Dario Giugliano said, “The Mediterranean-type diet is a diet high in plant foods, such as fruits, nuts, legumes and cereals, and fish, with olive oils as the primary source of monounsaturated fat and low to moderate intake of wine, as well as low intake of red meat and poultry.”

In addition to summer’s abundant fruit and vegetables, Washington produces these healthy staples of the Mediterranean diet:

-hazelnuts
-walnuts
-lentils
-dried peas
-barley
-salmon
-wine

I think we’re out luck on local olive oil, though.