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Eat healthier this year: A guide to creating a Mediterranean diet meal plan

HOUSTON – Is it your goal to eat healthier this year?

Try out the Mediterranean diet. U.S. News and World Report ranked this diet as the best for the eighth year.

‘Houston Life’ invited Chef Rafael Nasr, owner of Craft Pita, to help us understand what constitutes a Mediterranean diet and its benefits.

What is the Mediterranean diet according to Chef Nasr

This diet focuses on plant-based foods and healthy fats.

Use more vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains with extra virgin olive oil as the main source of fat.

It is easier to maintain than other diets because it’s less restrictive than other diets and minimizes the consumption of processed food.

The benefits of adopting the Mediterranean diet

It reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, increases life expectancy, protects against type 2 diabetes, prevents heart disease, and lose weight when used with caloric restrictions.

Food you can eat to start a healthy eating lifestyle

  • Olive Oil fights inflammation & keeps the heart healthy.
  • Use legumes like lentils & garbanzo as alternatives to filling carbs.
  • Use unprocessed whole grains like bulgur wheat.
  • Choose lean proteins with minimal fat like salmon and chicken breast.
  • Eat nuts like almonds as a good source of fat.
  • Herbs and spices like turmeric and clove fight inflammation and it’s full of antioxidants.

Watch the video above as Chef Nasr shows Derrick and Tessa how to create a Mediterranean meal that will fill you up.

How Craft Pita can help you get started

Craft Pita recently revealed its new meal prep menu that allows guests to build four nutritional meals. Typically priced at eighty dollars, Chef Nasr is offering ‘Houston Life’ viewers an incredible deal for a limited time.

Starting January 14, guests can get twenty dollars off Craft Pita’s meal plan order with promo code ‘HLIFE” online to in-person at both Ctraft Pita restaurants. Hurry and take advantage of this generous deal before it ends on February 1. Start your order by clicking » here.


About the Author

Petite powerhouse with a love for TV, especially sci-fi and drama. Proud aunt to two nieces and one nephew. Favorite quote: “Not all those who wander are lost.” Embracing life’s adventures, one episode at a time.