COMMENTARY | When I read in a magazine article that becoming a vegan cuts your mortality risk by 25 percent, I thought I would give it a try. So, for a month, I ate nothing but fruits and vegetables; and I did not consume a single animal product. I drank almond milk instead of cow milk. I ate plenty of beans and rice, as I love Hispanic food, to “compensate” for my inability to eat meat. I tried tofu once, but it tasted like rubber to me.
However, I quickly gave up on the vegan diet because I couldn’t find any balance with it. It gave me more energy, but I didn’t like it. So, I decided that I would give the Mediterranean diet a try. I love foods such as olive oil, whole grains, nuts, and fish, which is something you can’t really eat on the vegan diet. With the Mediterranean diet, you can’t really eat red meat except for on occasion, so you might find that is tough for you, but it’s better than not being able to eat meat at all.
Coming from the vegan diet, the transition was easy. It is very balanced, and you will find that you can enjoy it without constantly feeling guilty over what you are eating. You also get to determine how many calories you want to consume, and how much you want to exercise. This can either be a blessing or a curse for some people, depending on how motivated you are. Keep in mind that you still have to be able to control your portions so you aren’t eating too much.
To this day, I still eat by the Mediterranean diet. I find that it is easy for me to follow, and I enjoy it. I’m also able to eat out as much as I like, as there are many delicious Italian restaurants nearby.
However, the secret when choosing a diet is to find one that allows you to eat foods you like. In my case, I like Italian food, so the Mediterranean diet was a good match for me. It’s expensive, but it’s worth it as I am living well!