7 Reasons the Mediterranean Diet Helped Me Lose 50 Pounds

Bill_Bradley1 — Mediterranean Living/Facebook

Bill Bradley, R.D., lost 50 pounds on the Mediterranean Diet and not only kept it off but is thriving. The registered dietician went from 260 pounds to 210 pounds and says he feels like he learned the secret of weight loss. Here's exactly how Bradley did it, and what his advice is for anyone struggling to lose weight and make long-term lifestyle changes.

Delicious Food

Caprese Italian or Mediterranean salad. Tomato mozzarella basil leaves black olives and olive oil on wooden table. — Shutterstock

The Mediterranean Diet is heavily focused on healthy fats, fish, lean meat, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Bradley emphasizes how important it is to eat food you actually enjoy to help promote long-term success. Because this diet has such satiating food, it's easier to stick to.

Movement Every Day

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Bradley didn't undertake any strenuous or stressful workout regimens—instead, he made sure to walk for an hour a day. Research shows just a brisk walk has great benefits, both physical and mental. Walking is also a fun way to spend time with friends while being active.

Gut Health

Bradley encourages people to look after their gut health, as it has a fairly significant impact on health and weight loss. "Some bacteria are better able to chop food into those smallest pieces that get digested, add calories to our body and thereby tend to increase our weight," Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D. tells Harvard Health. "Theoretically, if our guts have more of those kinds of bacteria, it should be harder to lose weight."

Make It Easy

Buffet table scene of take out or delivery foods. Pizza, hamburgers, fried chicken and sides. Above view on a dark wood background. — Shutterstock

Decision fatigue is a real thing—make life easier by only having approved food around. By keeping unhealthy snacks out of sight and, therefore, out of mind, it's easier to stick to a diet that makes you feel good. That's why Bradley doesn't keep "junk" in the house.

Don't Avoid Fat

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Bradley emphasizes one of the best parts of the Mediterranean diet—the healthy fats, especially olive oil. "Many studies continue to confirm the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which cuts the risk of heart disease and stroke," Howard E. LeWine, MD, tells Harvard Health. "The diet's nutritional benefits probably come from various sources, but the generous use of olive oil appears to be a key contributor."

Look Within

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Becoming overweight rarely happens without significant underlying reasons. It's helpful to look at why you overeat, or have an unhealthy relationship with food. By examining these factors, it will be easier to lose weight and keep it off.

Make It a Lifestyle

Romantic sunset dinner on beach. Table honeymoon set for two with luxurious food, glasses of champagne drinks in restaurant with sea view and yachts on background. Summer vacation or wedding concept. — Shutterstock

Bradley isn't afraid to relax on vacation, knowing he will go back to his usual habits again when he gets home. This underlines the point that his diet is now a lifestyle. Perfect is the enemy of good!

💪🔥Body Booster: The best diet and health regimen for you is one you can stick to long term.

Ferozan Mast

Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience. Read more

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