What exactly is the Mediterranean diet? When thinking of what Mediterranean people eat things that come to mind are gyros, pasta, pizza and hummus. But the Mediterranean diet is actually quite the opposite. This diet is rich in oils, fresh caught fish and vibrant vegetables. Mediterranean’s eat mostly fruits and vegetables, seafood fresh from the sea, nuts and healthy fats. Not the typical food you get when you order “Mediterranean” take out.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen first hand the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. I traveled to Greece last summer and was in awe of the way that people look. Their slender figures, shiny hair and glowing skin is eye catching. Clearly, this way of eating and living is healthy for your outside as well as your inside. Today we’re sharing 5 benefits of following a Mediterranean Diet.

It’s heart healthy
Olive oil is the key here. Studies have shown that eating foods cooked in high quality olive oil can significantly lower ones blood pressure. Also foods rich in omega-3’s have been found to increase inflammation which prevents arteries from clogging and helps to reduce the risk of strokes.

Lowers your risk of cancer
The Mediterranean diet avoids processed foods and refined sugar. Majority of the food they eat is locally sourced and void of all of the junk that’s found in our food here in America. This plays a major factor in reducing your cancer risk. But these diets are also rich in fruits and vegetables, which means they’re rich in fiber. We all know that diets high in fiber can cut your risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer.

Shampoo commercial shine
Do you want locks that shine like those in hair commercials? Eat your healthy fats! Again, this goes back to all of that olive oil. It helps to hydrate your hair from within. Giving it lasting shine!

Clear, glowing skin
Again, olive oil! This stuff is so powerful! It has the same effect on your skin as it does on your hair. Many Mediterranean women even use olive oil on their face as a moisturizer! But another, even more important benefit for your skin, is protection from ultraviolet rays. The sun is always blazing on the island of Ibiza. And even though these people have olive toned skin it doesn’t mean they’re exempt from burning from the suns rays. But the foods they eat helps to protect them from burns, as well as Melanoma. Omega 3’s found in fish build up the skins elasticity. Also leafy greens are rich in antioxidants that slow cell growth, thus making it difficult for cancer to thrive.

Little around the middle
A Mediterranean diet helps to keep your waistline tight. Once again this goes back to diets high in healthy fats, lean proteins and vegetables.  When you eat foods that are nutrient dense it won’t leave you hungry, you will be satisfied up until your next meal. Also, diets low in sugar prevent blood glucose levels from dipping causing insulin spikes.

Living longer, feeling good and looking amazing? I don’t know about you, but I’m in! Clearly, there are many benefits to following a Mediterranean diet.

To learn more about women’s health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.

Traveling can make it really hard to stick to a healthy routine. Between catching flights, staying in hotel, and all the delicious treats and temptations, vacations can wreck havoc to your lifestyle. I travel a lot and over the years I have found some things that are really helpful to me. Today I’m going to share with you how I stay on track while traveling.

Pack your gym shoes
You may not even end up working out but they’re always nice to have. Even if it’s just to go for a walk. This way you have them in case you need them. You’ll be more likely to get in a workout if you have all of the proper gear!

Pick a hotel with a gym
I personally enjoy working out and running so I like to do it when I’m on vacation, sometimes. That’s the point of vacation, you do what you want. Don’t force yourself to get up and workout, sometimes it’s nice to just stay in bed or hit the beach early. But at least it’s an option. Also, a fancy hotel gym may inspire you to really crush that workout. If you don’t make it to the gym just do a few quick ab moves before stepping out doors. It will cause blood to flow to your muscles and make it look like you just finished an intense workout.

Pack snacks
It’s really hard when your hotel room doesn’t have a mini fridge. If it does you’re in luck. You can pack things to make healthy lunches to bring to the beach instead of ordering out for every meal. Regardless of if you have a mini fridge or not pack healthy snacks like apples, other fruit and protein bars. This is especially important if you have kids, you must have snacks on hand at all time!

Try and limit alcohol
Vacation is all about relaxing but all of those sugary drinks aren’t good for your waistline. Plus you will probably wake up feeling like crap the next morning. Limit sugary drinks to once a day and opt for something like champagne at night, it’s lower in calories and sugar.

Let loose at night
Try and make healthy choices during the day so you can be a little lax a night. Grab a salad with a vinegarette dressing with some grilled chicken for when you’re poolside. This way you can indulge in a burger or even some ice cream at night.

Drink lots of water
You spent weeks getting ready to be bikini ready for the beach, so don’t blow it now. Stay hydrated will help to ward off bloat.

But don’t forget to have fun! Don’t stress over calories and workouts while your away. Just try and stay as healthy as possible so you feel good! Plus it will make it easier to get back to your routine once your home!

To learn more about women’s

health check out the Women’s Mind Body Wellness Summit. It contains 6 interviews by top female health professionals plus two workout videos and 3 bonus videos on mind-body wellness with MyHealthSpin Founder Lori-Ann Rickard.