The Mediterranean diet wins a gold star for health. Reams of research confirm its power to fight heart disease, help control diabetes and possibly prevent cancer. But there’s just one problem: How can a diet that calls for ample amounts of pasta, bread and grains, and moderate amounts of nuts, cheese and avocado — not to mention those daily spoonfuls of olive oil — possibly be good for your waistline?
Researchers were skeptical, too, until they discovered that people who switch from a low-fat diet to one that contains more fat but equal calories do not gain weight. In one study, almost three times as many subjects stuck with a Mediterranean-style diet compared to those on a low-fat regimen — and were more likely to keep the weight off after the study was over. What’s critical is controlling portions.