Rich in whole grains, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the word’s healthiest and most successful diets. Its food is fresh, healthy, and delicious—which is a claim that few other diets can compete with. You can learn more about healthy Mediterranean dining by following these links:
Read this article from U.S. News & World Report for a useful overview of the Mediterranean diet.
The Los Angeles Times offers still more insight into the Mediterranean diet and its history.
The American Heart Association has long been a promoter of the heart-healthy benefits of eating seafood. Visit their website to learn more about their recommendations.
A Mediterranean diet is rich in seafood, but remember that some types of fish are more in line with the diet than others. Find out why by reading this article from eHow.com.
For many serious Mediterranean dieters, a meal without fruit for dessert is like eating Chinese food without a fortune cookie. Check out FruitsInfo.com for a look at several Mediterranean fruits that are commonly served for dessert.
Visit SeriousEats.com to discover the secrets behind three types of gourmet pizza crust: Sicilian, New York, and Neapolitan.
The Mediterranean diet has gained notoriety in recent years as one of the world’s most successful diets. Countless studies have proven again and again that eating Mediterranean foods is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and cancer, an increased life expectancy, and numerous other benefits. Your local Italian restaurant likely offers a number of diet-friendly Mediterranean dishes, such as:
Caprese Salad
This popular salad contains all the colors of the Italian flag, as well as a host of essential nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which wards off skin cancer; basil has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen; and the thick, tender slices of fresh mozzarella are a lean source of protein and calcium. Caprese salads are usually finished off with fruity extra-virgin olive oil, which reduces your risk of heart disease.
Fettuccine Primavera
Don’t confuse this dish with its cream- and butter-based cousin, fettuccine Alfredo. Primavera is a pasta dish that is rich in fresh garden vegetables such as peas, carrots, and asparagus. The rainbow of produce delivers a heavy dose of vitamins, and the oil-and-garlic sauce ties everything together without overpowering it. Order it with whole-wheat pasta, if available, for extra fiber.
Linguine Pescatore
Seafood has been a staple of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. It is high in protein, low in fat, and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium. This pasta dish combines shrimp, clams, and mussels for huge doses of all of the above. If available, pick the red sauce over the white, which is usually made of butter and cream.
Brooklyn-Style Pizza
Did you know that pizza crust has more calories than the toppings? Brooklyn-style pizza avoids this problem by holding its toppings on a crispy, wafer-thin crust. Top it off with lean chicken and lots of vegetables and you’ve got a delicious, healthy treat for dinner.
No casual Italian restaurant in the Newtown area knows Mediterranean food the way Piccolo Trattoria does. Our menu has a number of delicious, healthy dishes for a true taste of Italy that will always have you coming back for more. Call us at (215) 860-4247 for more information, and be sure to ask about our catering services!
Are you looking for a great Italian restaurant? Piccolo Trattoria offers a variety of classic Italian dishes that everyone can enjoy. If you would like to learn more about our BYOB restaurant, you can find more information on our website.
Find the tasty Italian favorites you are craving from Piccolo Trattoria at one of our three locations in Newtown, Langhorne, and Pennington. Make a reservation for lunch or dinner by visiting our website.
Seafood may be an acquired taste to some people, but it’s a food that everyone should eat, especially at restaurants. Beyond its high protein and low fat, fish is also rich in many essential nutrients. Read on for an overview of the health benefits of seafood:
Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Seafood is very high in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat that provides countless health benefits, including cutting your risk of heart disease by up to 50%. These fats have been shown in numerous studies to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure, and even boost immunity. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish that is rich in omega-3 at least twice a week. Top choices include wild salmon, Arctic char, and Atlantic—not king—mackerel. If you are an adventurous eater, try topping your next gourmet pizza with anchovies.
Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight can seem difficult, but you certainly don’t have to resort to a fruits-and-vegetables-only diet, like Miranda Kerr. There’s a reason why nearly all diets published in tabloids and health magazines are heavy in fish. When you are trying to lose weight, your goal should be a diet that fills you up, but is not high in fat. Seafood is the perfect protein for a weight-loss diet. It is loaded with protein to take the edge off your hunger, is packed with nutrients, and contains virtually no saturated fat or carbs.
Stave off Hypozincemia
You’ve probably never heard of hypozincemia (HY-po-zing-KEE-mee-ah), or zinc deficiency, but it’s a disease worth knowing about. Up to one-third of the world’s population does not get enough of the essential nutrient zinc in their diets, putting them at risk of anorexia, chronic acne, and pregnancy problems, among other health issues. Most seafood is naturally high in zinc, especially crab, lobster, and octopus.
Piccolo Trattoria Italian restaurant has many tasty seafood options on its menu, all made to order and cooked in time-honored Mediterranean style. Our casual, BYOB atmosphere and great service have been delighting diners for many years. Call us at (215) 860-4247 to make a reservation today!
