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Our Real Mediterranean Diet Lessons: Science-Based

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By John Fenster

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Choose Good Fat, Not Low Fat

Another dozen kilometers along the road toward Crete's western shore is Vouves' Olive Tree. 

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 It is as huge as a station wagon and over 3,000 years old, proving olive oil's importance in the Cretan diet.

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Embrace the Bean and Nut

Goats, the first domestic animal the Minoans brought to the island 3,000 years ago, are so important to Cretan identity that the wild kri-kri is officially protected. 

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Goats were essential to island animal husbandry and had lean, nutrient-dense flesh. 

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Overall, goat meat has less total fat and saturated fat, more iron, and about the same protein per ounce as beef, hog, lamb, and chicken.

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Watch Your Portion and Diet

Allbaugh's crew interviewed numerous people in Crete, and one grimly said, "We are hungry most of the time.

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But many Cretans undertook strenuous physical work every day that required much more calories. 

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