What is the milpa diet and why is everyone doing it?

  In the mid-90s, miracle diets that promised spectacular results in a very short time became very popular. The Atkins diet, the Zone diet, the South Beach diet, among many others, seemed to be the panacea for weight problems with almost magical combinations of proteins with fats and/or carbohydrates. Although hundreds of celebrities came out to defend the great benefits of these strict regimens, we now know that following such a diet can be counterproductive and even harmful to health. Amid this endless universe of unbelievable solutions, a new option emerges to take care of figure and health. The Milpa diet is actually a Mesoamerican dietary model, so its proposal focuses on the reappropriation of the eating habits of our ancestors. We recommend: Zucchini spaghetti with vegetables With the Milpa diet, the goal is not to substitute nutrients or trick the body with the consumption of certain foods. The success of this dietary model is due to the fact that it simply promotes the order of quantities and the balance of national products present in daily consumption. Although corn, beans, and squash are generally considered the central axis, the Milpa diet offers great flexibility regarding the foods of each region and each season. Thus, the weekly menu can be adjusted depending on the area of the country you are in and the time of year. We recommend: Tlayuda with beans and cheese What are the advantages of the Milpa diet? The high fiber intake controls protein levels. Thanks to the consumption of fiber-rich foods, cholesterol absorption is reduced. Provides less fat. Facilitates the elimination of toxins. Promotes antioxidant status. How to follow the Milpa diet? Like the food pyramid, the Milpa diet suggests the portions and frequency with which certain foods should be consumed: Red meat, poultry, and insects: in very small amounts and frequency. It is important that they are of natural origin (not industrialized) and not processed meats. Alcoholic beverages, dairy, and sweeteners: in small amounts and with moderation. Tubers, fish, seafood, and healthy beverages: occasionally and with moderation. Fruits, healthy oils, and whole grains: in moderation and according to physical activity. Fiber-rich vegetables and protein-rich seeds: in the largest possible amounts and freely available. If you are interested in following this diet, you should consider that the foods you consume must be of natural origin, and that daily physical activity is a fundamental part of it. We recommend: Bean cream Why should you also start following the Milpa diet? Unlike other diets created based on exotic ingredients, the Milpa diet adapts to the food offerings of the country. This way, you can ensure that it will be easy to find fresh ingredients at low cost. Additionally, the great variety of products in Mexican cuisine makes this diet anything but monotonous. If you start with the great combination of corn, beans, squash, and chili, and add seasonal ingredients, you can create healthy dishes with great flavor. Are you ready to improve your lifestyle by following the Milpa diet? We recommend: Corn tortilla sushi with nopal, beans, and Oaxaca cheese, drenched in green sauce