[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

One thing to consider is that as a general rule, most people in Italy, Spain, Greece, places like that eat much smaller portions at their meals than what we are accustomed to. So much so, that many Americans would think it was a joke. In addition, traditionally their food is fresh and regional, often picked or caught within hours of eating.

There are many factors in the Mediterranean 'diet' (to use it as an example) that are not factored in when the diet is plucked from the total lifestyle, environment and indigenous genetics of the people, then analyzed as if it were the only factor to health or longevity. The holistic view is lost, in my opinion.

My family originated in Spain. Food in our home was celebrated, appreciated and respected for the gift that it was. We ate all the things (like imported Olive oil) that some feel are so scary today.
My family for the greater part was, and is, trim, athletic, brainey, talented, healthy and long lived. Most who have died, died in their sleep at 90+ years of age, healthy, sharp and alert until the end. Why?

Could it BE genetics? An attitude of gratitude? Positive thinking? Fool's luck?
Special Dispensation? Foods more pure then than they are now? Tomatoes with more inherent nutrients then, than tomatoes of today?

How are we to know beyond a shadow of a doubt? We can only try our best to collect data. Doesn't mean it's the whole picture. That's my point.

Those who want to eat right, do the best they can. Those inclined to want better health than they now have, investigate then discern for themselves the best way to make it happen. MOST of us are now college educated in this country. We know how to read and research, if we want to do so.
Are there those who don't care? You betcha.

Bashing someone over the head with what they are doing wrong, or sensationalizing, challenging or discounting others as a means to occupy one's time, tells me more about the person delivering the message than the message they are delivering.

Spain, Italy or Greece...........in the old days, meals were shared and savored with family and friends..........they continued these traditions in their chosen new homes in America.........
Chewing on the Heel: The Mediterranean Diet in Southern Italy | Italy Travel Guide
Chewing on the Heel.

“The limitations of the meals inspired by poverty.........”

“Olive oil is the passenger train that transports vitamins from the food to your body.......”

“The Mediterranean diet includes a daily allotment of red wine..........”

I never ever remember my dad eating chips or dip or any such snack food. After dinner, he'd slowly cut up a fresh pear....or an orange. He did eat nuts as well. His entire family ate fruit, drank wine and ate what to me, a child, were HUGE FEASTS, that took a very long time.....they were not "into fast foods at all"........but when I think back.......it was lots of vegetables, plenty of fresh seafood........can't recall any big beef roasts or pork roasts......but the meat was there in the lasagna, the meatballs, sausage, etc. in small increments...........more for "flavor"......and they never ate butter on their delicious fresh breads.

Cheese, yes. Lots of melon such as cantalupe. Figs.

Grew their own tomatoes, basil, mint, etc.........GRAPES.....

Dates. Natural foods.........not processed or prepackaged.

Basically, it's what they "did not eat" that gave them the longevity........many well into their 90's.