Tag: dr barbara edwards

The Mediterranean diet focuses on consuming fruits, vegetables, seeds, whole grains, and nuts with a lower proportion of meats compared to the typical American diet. With that being said, there are many delicious and sustainable options for your breakfast meals. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, below are a few options that can be added to your morning diet.

Greek Yogurt and Berries

Plain Greek Yogurt is rich in probiotics which can help maintain a healthy gut. Adding berries as well as a drizzle of honey will add some sweetness and keep you full when you are in a hurry!

Avocado Toast

A piece of whole-grain toast topped with avocado and an egg will provide you with a rich, filling breakfast. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this combination is a go-to in the Mediterranean diet.

Peanut Butter and Banana Toast

Do you crave sweets in the morning? This option will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you full throughout the morning. The whole grain toast, peanut butter, and banana will provide you with proteins, healthy fats, potassium, and fiber.

Egg Frittata

Made in a large pan or skillet, a Frittata is a nutrient-packed breakfast. While the base is always eggs, you can really add whatever you are craving. Some options include spinach, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and peppers.

Smoothie

 This is a great option when you are on the go! With endless combinations, you can use ingredients such as plain Greek yogurt, mixed berries, bananas, spinach, plant-based protein powder, almond milk, and so much more.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.

Vegetarian diets have increased in popularity due to their health benefits. Going plant-based has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. With this type of diet, however, it is important to plan ahead and determine which vegetarian diet is best suited for your health goals. Here is a description of the various types of vegetarian diets:

Ovo Vegetarian:

This diet excludes any poultry, seafood, meat, and dairy products. Eggs, however, are permitted.

Lacto Vegetarian:

Does not include meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs. Includes dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt.

Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian:

This diet does not include meat, poultry and fish but allows dairy products and eggs.

Pescatarian:

Does not include eggs, dairy, meat, and poultry but permits fish.

Vegan:

This diet excludes all poultry, meat, dairy, fish, eggs, and anything that contains these products. Vegans also do not consume animal by-products, such as honey.

With various options to choose from, one of the vegetarian diets can be a great meal plan for you. When starting these diets, it is crucial to understand which foods you will be cutting out and the vitamins found in that food. For example, the vegan diet eliminates foods high in vitamin B-12 and calcium, so a vegan may want to take vitamin supplements as well as dark greens that are filled with calcium.

Dr. Barbara Edwards, a Princeton M.D. internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.