{"id":14055,"date":"2018-12-03T15:32:34","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T14:32:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uchceu.es\/international-relations\/?p=8273"},"modified":"2021-01-12T12:14:53","modified_gmt":"2021-01-12T11:14:53","slug":"eating-healthy-spanish-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uchceu.es\/campus-life\/en\/eating-healthy-spanish-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"Eating healthy while in Spain: follow the Spanish diet!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Worried that all the jam\u00f3n<\/em> and churros con chocolate<\/em> you are now enjoying will eventually risk your health? No need to be scared, just start following the traditional\u00a0Spanish diet! You see, Spanish cuisine is in fact an example of the Spanish diet<\/strong> which is often applauded as one of the healthiest\u00a0diets<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0So even if the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking about Spanish\u00a0cuisine<\/strong> is cured meats or sugary chocolate-dipped pastries, it\u00a0is actually so much more.<\/p>\n

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Olive oil is a key ingredient in the Spanish diet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Mediterranean diet researchers refer to the modern dietary recommendation that is based on the traditional cuisines and eating habits of the countries around the Mediterranean Sea: Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Morocco, and Portugal. As one can imagine the traditional cuisines of these countries vary greatly, but they all share some main features, which in turn make up the so-called Mediterranean diet we recognise today.<\/p>\n

Introducing you to the Mediterranean diet<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Briefly explained, the Mediterranean diet consist of high consumption of olive oil<\/strong>, vegetables<\/strong>, fruits<\/strong>, legumes<\/strong>, and cereals (make them whole grain<\/strong>!). Fish and seafood<\/strong> are preferred over poultry and eggs, which are still enjoyed in moderation \u2014 as are dairy products (mainly cheese and yogurt) and red wine<\/strong>. Red meat is eaten only rarely, and highly processed foods, refined grains and oils, and added sugars are to be avoided completely. The diet is full of so-called good fats from olive oil, nuts, and fish, and rich in fiber as a result of the high consumption of\u00a0vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Due to these factors\u00a0the diet reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes<\/a> \u2014 just a small part of its many researched benefits.<\/p>\n

Spanish cuisine is part of the Mediterranean diet family, and when you look at what Spaniards traditionally eat, you will make the connection!\u00a0In general, the Spanish diet is rich in olive oil which is used in cooking in great amounts. Fish and seafood\u00a0from both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean are enjoyed in many forms, and fresh produce is always available in the country. However, contrary to what the Mediterranean diet recommends, red meat, white bread, and sweet pastries\u00a0do make a frequent appearance on a modern Spaniard’s plate.<\/p>\n