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This May, Virtual Guests Enjoy Mediterranean Pleasures and Prizes
BOSTON, March, 2014 — This May, to mark the 5th Annual International Mediterranean Diet Month, Oldways, the nonprofit organization which first brought this gold-standard way of eating and living to the U.S. 20 years ago, is hosting the first virtual Mediterranean Dinner Party.
During the month of May, to demonstrate that delicious and healthy Mediterranean inspired meals can be enjoyed anywhere, Oldways invites people everywhere to post photos of themselves taking pleasure in a taste of the Mediterranean, at home or in restaurants, for a chance to win weekly prizes and one grand prize.
For those who want to eat out Med-style, Oldways has created two restaurant lists. First, Oldways has partnered with HealthyDiningFinder.com and is publishing a list of casual-dining chain restaurants offering dishes that adhere to Med Diet standards based on healthy fat and sodium levels. Also, Oldways has created a “5 in 50” list, a hand-picked listing of 5 restaurants in each state (plus Washington, DC) that offer at least 1 of 5 different classic Mediterranean foods or dishes — Couscous, Falafel, Grape Leaves, Pesto, and Tapas.
Med Lovers can submit photos of themselves via Twitter or Facebook, enjoying homemade meals from either of Oldways’ 5 in 50+ list, at home, or at a Mediterranean restaurant of their choice, using the hashtag #MedMonth2014. Each photo will count as an entry for a weekly chance to win a copy of one of Amazon.com’s top selling Mediterranean Diet cookbooks, The Oldways 4-Week Mediterranean Diet Menu Plan, and will qualify them for a chance to win the grand prize, an assortment of delectable Mediterranean foods from Mediterranean Foods Alliance members.
“The reason the Mediterranean Diet continually tops the list for healthy eating plans is because it is accessible, affordable and about saying yes to delicious! Dishes such as sliced fresh tomatoes topped with crumbled feta cheese, sautéed spinach with lemon and fragrant couscous are easy to prepare and so satisfying,” said Sara Baer-Sinnott, president, Oldways. “A big part of the lifestyle is the celebration of meals shared with family and friends and that is what we want to reinforce with our virtual dinner party – go out and enjoy the Mediterranean way with convivial companions – and share those photos with us. We’ll toast you back.”
Hundreds of scientific studies report that the healthy Mediterranean Diet and its lifestyle practices reduce the risk of chronic diseases and, while the Med Diet isn’t a “go on a diet” type diet, it can lead to weight loss and overall wellbeing.
Consumers can also access Oldways’ expansive digital resources on the website, including links to health studies revealing the overwhelming health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, practical cooking tips, and a vast collection of delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes.
For more information on how others can take part in International Mediterranean Diet Month, to arrange interviews, or for hi-resolution graphics of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, please give us a call: 617-896-4888 or info@oldwayspt.org
About Oldways
Oldways (www.oldwayspt.org) is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage, using practical and positive programs grounded in science and tradition. Simply, we advocate for the healthful pleasures of real food. Oldways is the parent organization for The Whole Grains Council and The Mediterranean Foods Alliance, and is well-known for creating the Whole Grain Stamp and the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.