One of the frustrating things for people looking to lose weight, feel better and improve their overall health is deciding which diet might be the best fit for them. The proliferation of fad diets such as the South Beach Diet has only made the search more difficult.

The Mediterranean Diet, considered by many doctors to be the best approach to achieving a healthy lifestyle, is based on the food consumption patterns commonly found in Greece and parts of Italy–traditions that have proved themselves over thousands of years. Of course, those Mediterranean residents don’t think of themselves as dieting–it’s simply their way of life! And it’s one that has seems to be a gateway to long living free of chronic illness.

A recent review of the Mediterranean Diet showed it was preferable to the South Beach Diet. Two of the biggest reasons? The Mediterranean Diet offers more convienence and flexibility. It also allows practitioners to enjoy the benefits of wine in low to moderate amounts. Add in good nutritional balance and diverse recipe choices and it’s clear why so many people are turning to the Mediterranean Diet!