Your doctor may have recommended the Mediterranean diet or you may have heard people talk about it. The Mediterranean lifestyle has been studied because people in this region living the traditional Mediterranean pattern not only have a longer lifespan but are able to live independently in their 80’s, 90's and even over 100 in good health!

What Does The Med Way Mean? Going the Med Way means living the Mediterranean lifestyle. Their eating pattern incorporates the basics of healthy eating that were traditionally practiced in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. It looks at how we can prevent and control chronic diseases and promote overall health by eating the Med Way instead of focusing on medication to address these issues.

Why Should You Go Med? Research has shown that there is a connection between lifestyle and chronic disease. The goal of this program is to help people start eating and moving in a way that can help prevent chronic disease. The statistic that ⅔ of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be prevented by lifestyle changes, specifically diet and exercise. However, some medical conditions may require pharmaceutical intervention in addition to a healthy eating pattern.

In the next few weeks our food column will focus on: Changing Your Protein, Swap Your Fats and Snack On Nuts and Seeds, Eat More Fruits and Vegetables, Make Your Grains Whole, and Rethink Your Sweets.

Napa cabbage is a great variety to use in cooked and raw dishes. The combination of kale and Napa cabbage is colorful and delicious. This slaw is great as a bed for grilled chicken or grilled salmon. If you use grilled chicken, toss the chicken in lemon zest and some taco seasoning before grilling.

Here is the link to the

.

Kale and Napa Cabbage Slaw with Chicken or Salmon

• 2 cups finely shredded kale
• 2 cups finely shredded Napa cabbage
• 4 pieces of grilled chicken or salmon
• Dressing:
• ½ cup plain, fat-free Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo is a good type to use) OR 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (more if you like)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

Nutritional facts per 1 cup of salad alone: Calories: 139 calories, Carbohydrates: 6 grams, Fiber: 1 gram, Protein: 5 grams, Fat: 11 grams, and Sodium: 161 mg.

Kachumber Salad with Peanuts

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced
• 1 mango, diced
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• ¼ cup chopped mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Juice of 1 lime (approximately 1½ tablespoons)
• ½ cup Spanish peanuts

Directions:

1. Toss all ingredients together except the peanuts.
2. Chill, and top with peanuts when ready to serve.

Sources for this article NC Extension Food and Nutrition, Meds instead of Meds educational program. The research and selection of tested recipes was compiled by Alyssa Letchworth, ECU student intern. For more information about the Foods and Nutrition please contact Louise L. Hinsley, Extension Agent, Family Consumer Science at the Beaufort County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension, 155 Airport Road, Washington, 252-946-0111.