Jerry Baker's What's Growin' On?

We’re five weeks into the New Year, so it’s a good time to ask—how are you doing with your 2014 resolutions? Losing weight is the number one resolution folks make each year—year after year. But if you’re finding it tough to stick to your weight loss plan, consider switching to the Mediterranean diet. Here’s why: It’s not one of those regimens that forces you to count every calorie that goes into your mouth and swear off all the foods you love most. Rather, it’s a way of life that emphasizes healthy foods and minimizes the ones that aren’t so good for you.

Here’s a quick overview of the life-extending guidelines:

• Help yourself to heaps of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and herbs.
• Enjoy a variety of fresh, in-season, and locally grown foods whenever you can. This helps ensure the maximum delivery of health-giving micronutrients and antioxidants.
• Use plenty of extra virgin olive oil wherever you can.
• Eat moderate amounts of cheese, milk, yogurt, fish, poultry, and eggs.
• Consume only minimal amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and red meat.
• Drink red wine in moderation (optional).
• Be physically active to maintain healthy weight, muscle tone, and overall well-being.

Here’s a handy visual to help you plan your daily Mediterranean diet menus:

For a larger version, click here.