Book excerpt: Healthy food = healthy lifestyle Based on a nutritional principle time-tested for success for literally thousands of years, the Mediterranean Diet consists of a balance of all food groups with an emphasis on foods with high Omega-3 fat content such as fish, beans, and olive oil. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the Mediterranean Diet introduces the healthy cuisine enjoyed in countries such as Spain, Southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and much of the Middle East. • Features more than 75 delicious, easy to prepare recipes-each with a complete nutritional breakdown of fats and calories-and daily meal plans • Easy step–by–step shopping and preparation tips and instructions • Detailed chapters about food groups and nutrition