Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets

( CNN) A diet that’s good for healthy weight loss? Check. One that reduces the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and some cancers? Check. A diet that strengthens bones, improves brain health and wards off dementia and depression? Check.

“Even though it’s called the Mediterranean diet, it’s not really a diet, ” said Atlanta registered dietitian Rahaf Al Bochi, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “It doesn’t tell you what to eat and not eat. It’s a lifestyle that encourages devouring all food groups, but devotes more weight to those which have the most health benefits.”

Focus on plants

Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets
Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets
Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets
Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets
Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets

Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets

Mediterranean Diet: How To Start( And Stay On) One Of The World's Healthiest Diets