The Mediterranean Diet
Suggested CDR Learning Codes: 2020, 4040
Suggested CDR Performance Indicators: 8.1.4, 10.4
CPE Level 2
CDR Activity Type 740
A growing body of research is connecting the old ways of eating, such as traditional Mediterranean diets, with a large spectrum of health benefits. Experts generally agree that a beneficial diet has a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthful fats and is low in highly processed junk food.
Most patients today, however, don’t know how to put those pieces together into a coherent diet. They can visualize healthful foods, but may find it difficult to see the big picture of what a healthful diet and lifestyle look like. The Mediterranean diet provides a framework for this knowledge. The recipes, traditions, and food pairings all show ways people can incorporate these healthful foods (such as vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, fruit, and fish) into a delicious diet.
This continuing education course explores the key characteristics of the Mediterranean diet, provides a research update on the health benefits of the diet, and indicates how the Mediterranean diet fits into existing MNT.
Sponsorship for this course began on 2/1/17 and expired on 2/1/18.
Learning Objectives
After completing this continuing education course, nutrition professionals should be better able to:
- Classify the recommended food components and nutrient distribution of the Mediterranean diet.
- Name three characteristics that differentiate a traditional Mediterranean diet from a typical Western diet.
- Select three types of patients who would most benefit from transitioning to a Mediterranean diet.
- Practice incorporating the tenets of the Mediterranean diet into existing MNT.
Kelly Toups, MLA, RD, LDN is a registered dietitian at Oldways, a nonprofit nutrition education organization that promotes health through heritage.
Ms. Toups reports the following relevant disclosure: Oldways receives support from companies whose products are part of the Mediterranean diet. She has certified that no conflict of interest exists for this course. View our disclosure policy.
Available Credit
- 2.00 CDR