Meri Raffetto

Springtime in the Mediterranean (March through May) brings warm weather and new crops such as brightly colored, pencil-thin asparagus; dark leafy greens; and artichokes. Nothing is quite like seeing these welcoming veggies lined up in the produce aisle or at the farmers' market after a long, cold winter. Here are some simple Mediterranean-inspired veggie dishes to go along perfectly with a spring meal.

The Mediterranean diet includes a specific balance of foods that's high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and contains the perfect balance of fatty acids. Alas, you can't just eat your way to Mediterranean health. Living a healthy lifestyle means you have to look at all aspects of your life. Along with the food plan is a way of life that includes regular physical activity and time for rest, community, and fun; for the folks on the Mediterranean coast, this combination seems to have created that ever-elusive life balance.

No matter what country you live in, nothing tastes as good as a perfectly cooked steak. Eat steak the Mediterranean way: smaller portion sizes and amazing fresh flavors and ingredients. Although the serving may be smaller, the taste quotient is just as high. You can make up for the smaller size by adding an amazing legume or vegetable dish.

Chicken is a popular dish served throughout the Mediterranean. Chicken is widely popular in Italy, including in some of those classic, much-loved dishes such as chicken cacciatore and chicken piccata. Chicken Cacciatore Prep time: 12 minutesCook time: 50 minutesYield: 6 servings 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skin-on chicken breasts 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste 1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste 1/3 cup flour 1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large red bell pepper, chopped 1 large green bell pepper, chopped 1 onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/2 cup dry white wine One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup capers, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Season the chicken with the salt and pepper.

Mango salsa is the perfect accompaniment to this low-glycemic grilled salmon recipe. It complements the little kick the salmon gets from the cumin and chili powder. Of course, if you prefer less spice in your meal, simply omit the cumin and chili powder; the salmon is still wonderful with the mango salsa.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 8 minutesYield: Four servingsIngredients: One 1-pound salmon fillet, skinned Juice of 1 lemon 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped 1 jalapeño chile, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons orange juice Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder Nonstick cooking spray Instructions: Place the fish on a large sheet of aluminum foil on a oblong dish or pan.

Making your own pizza like the people in the Mediterranean do has never been easier and more fun. Although pizza is loved throughout many countries, it’s one of those food items that can become very unhealthy quickly, but the pizza on the Mediterranean Diet is a far cry from the 5-meat, stuffed crust, deep-dish, extra cheese variety.

The winter months, December through February, are often the time when you're less active, which makes it one of the most important times of the year to ramp up your vegetable intake, especially if you're following the Mediterranean Diet. The extra fiber and roughage help you feel full and satisfied as you expend less energy through activity and exercise.

You may be surprised how healthy a simple serving of popular Mediterranean vegetables really is for your body. You've probably heard the saying "You are what you eat," meaning that if your food is full of sugars and unhealthy fats, that's what you have coursing through your body. Vivid description, but true! Luckily, the same is true for eating vegetables.

Cooking low-glycemic foods is a wonderful tool for overall health, but it's especially beneficial for weight management and insulin resistance. Understanding the glycemic index and glycemic loads of foods, using appropriate portion sizes, sprucing up your favorite recipes, and using low-glycemic cooking techniques can start you on your way to successfully meeting all your health goals.