Toss Out the Salt Shaker

Interest in the Mediterranean diet continues to grow because of evidence suggesting it contributes to longevity, weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, according to NBC News's Today.com. The trick is to swap out for the Mediterranean ingredients instead of just adding them to your daily diet. For example, instead of salt, swap in herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, basil and cinnamon and replace butter with an unsaturated fat like canola oil.