According to Oldways/Mediterranean Foods Alliance (www.oldwayspt.org) the growing body of medical and scientific evidence supporting the healthfulness of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle continues to show that following a Mediterranean lifestyle may defend against chronic diseases, lower the risk for heart disease, protect from diabetes, ward off Parkinson’s disease, and aid in weight management efforts. 

Raising awareness of this lifestyle and encouraging individuals to adopt healthier eating and activity patterns was the purpose of the three-part series for adults on “Exploring the Mediterranean Lifestyle” conducted by the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service. The series followed curricula from Penn State and North Carolina State Extension.  

Twenty-two, middle-age men and women from the general public participated in the series that was conducted in a hybrid format (on-line and in-person at the same time) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants learned about local produce, the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, and suggestions for adopting a Mediterranean eating pattern and lifestyle. All participants received recipes from the Mediterranean region to prepare at home along with tips for purchasing and preparing the ingredients. 

A survey mailed approximately three months after the completion of the program showed that as a result of the series participants made lifestyle changes including:

100 percent eat more fruits and vegetables

100 percent eat fish, shellfish or leaner meats more often

100 cook and prepare more foods at home more often and have decreased the number of times they eat away from home

100 percent indicated an improved understanding of how the Mediterranean Pyramid and the MyPlate eating patterns compare. They also indicated an increased understanding of the health benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle. 

67 percent have shopped more often at local farmers markets or farm stands and are using more locally grown foods in their daily eating patterns

One participant shared that they now pay more attention to food labels and look for the word “whole,” when appropriate, to select healthier options. Another indicated the recipes they received in the program were well received by their family and friends.