The Mediterranean Diet has been voted the best diet in the world six years in a row. The US News and Health Report has deemed it the best diet overall in 2023. In addition, it won first place in the following four categories: the best healthy-eating, plant-based, and family-friendly diet and the best diet for bone and joint health. If those reasons aren't enough to try the Mediterranean Diet, the fact that Lionel Messi is on it should be!

Lionel Messi is the best soccer player of all time who just led Argentina to a World Cup victory. He credits a significant part of his success to following the Mediterranean Diet. This eating regimen improved the GOAT’s performance and life, and it can do the same for you (minus the World Cup trophy).

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is a primarily plant-based diet. It consists of vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish, seafood, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil.

Eggs, poultry, yogurt and cheese can be eaten in moderation.

Processed foods, refined flour, added sugar and red meat are to be avoided or limited.

The Mediterranean Diet encourages drinking a lot of water. Coffee, tea and a daily glass of wine are optional.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle

The Mediterranean Diet is not just a healthy way of eating. It is also a lifestyle. Being physically active is a big part of this way of life. Managing stress and sharing meals with loved ones are part of the plan as well.

Why Is the Mediterranean Diet the Champion of Diets?

It helps fight chronic disease and may increase your lifespan. The Mediterranean Diet has been proven to be better for heart health than low fat diets. It lowers your risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer and Type 2 Diabetes.

The Mediterranean Diet boosts brain power and promotes healthy aging. Those who follow the plan have better cognition, focus and memory. They are also less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease or to become frail.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle is great for weight management and athletic performance. It improves your metabolism and energy, and helps build lean body mass.

It’s easy to follow, sustainable and enjoyable. There are countless delicious and nutritious foods to choose from. Being physically active, lowering stress and eating with others all promote a sense of well-being.

How Can I Get Started?

Start your day with a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Add a salad or vegetable to one or more of your meals. Begin cooking with olive oil rather than butter, and eating fish at least twice a week. Try snacking on seeds and nuts. Find activities that help lower your stress. Besides exercising, you can meditate, listen to music or start a gratitude journal. Enjoy mealtimes with friends and family.

Work up to centering most meals around vegetables, beans and whole grains. Increase the intensity and duration of your workouts gradually.

Why Is the Mediterranean Diet the Diet of Champions?

Lionel Messi thrives on the Mediterranean Diet. As a young athlete, he didn’t appreciate the importance of good nutrition. The soccer star would often throw up during matches as a consequence of poor eating habits.

To improve his performance and ability to recover, Messi sought the help of a nutritionist. That is how he came to adopt the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle. The GOAT has since gained muscle strength, explosive power and speed. While in top form, Messi can run 20 miles an hour!

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner of Champions

If you want to eat like a champion, you can take a cue from Messi. He starts his day with a breakfast of his favorite fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereal. For lunch, he fuels up with beans, soup and a colorful salad. A typical dinner for the GOAT might include tuna, veggies and brown rice.

Messi avoids processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol, red meat and artificial sweeteners. He consumes a variety of raw vegetables daily, and makes sure to stay well hydrated.

The soccer star's favorite meal is roasted garlic chicken thighs with carrots, potatoes, onion, olive oil and thyme. Yerba Mate is Messi's herbal tea of choice.

The Takeaway

The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle can improve your health and longevity. It is more effective, sustainable and simple than typical diets. Rather than strict rules or calorie counting, the Mediterranean Diet provides recommended guidelines. It encourages physical activity, stress management, enjoying meals with family and friends, and consuming nutrient-dense foods.

This regimen promotes eating vegetables, fruit, whole grains, seafood, fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil. It discourages processed foods, refined flour, added sugar and red meat in your daily diet.

The Mediterranean Diet protects you from chronic disease, frailty and cognitive decline. If you want to boost your heart health, brain power and energy and build lean muscle it is the right plan for you.

Lionel Messi achieved his winning edge following the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle. This remarkable plan can help you score a winning G-O-A-L in 2023!

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