Can European Diets Make you Slim?

The Mediterranean Diet is a style of eating based on the Southern Mediterranean region (i.e. Spain, Greece, and Italy). This kind of diet consists of a lot of vegetables and fruit, salads dressed with olive oil, fish, bread, pasta, and other grains. The diet contains only small amounts of fish and poultry, and red meat is rarely eaten. This plan is rich in healthy fats from fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds, and you'll find plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables here, too.

This plan is a GOOD MATCH for you, says eDiets, if:

• You prefer fresh, unprocessed foods.
• You'd like to enjoy a glass of wine daily with your meal plan.
• You're looking for a plan that can help lower rates of heart disease and cancer -- as research has shown with the Mediterranean Diet.

This plan might NOT be a good fit if:

• If you don't like or are allergic to seafood, including shellfish.
• You are always on the run and need a convenience-based meal plan, including fast food.

If you are interested in European ways of eating, you may be interested in recipes from French Women Don't Get Fat. The recipe below and others can be found within the online program at www.frenchwomendontgetfat.com. Each day, subscribing members can get a meal plan to follow, or they can customize meals to suit their needs and preferences.

Blueberry Baby Smoothie Serves 4

12 oz. frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
2¼ cups 2 percent milk
Pinch of ground cardamom

1. Take blueberries out of freezer 30 minutes before using.

2. Mix the blueberries in a blender with the lemon juice, honey and milk. Add a sprinkle cardamom before serving.

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