Spain's Mediterranean diet is increasingly a myth

From Expatica

MADRID — Spain's famous healthy Mediterranean diet may be little more than a myth, say experts.

Instead of a diet of fish, fresh vegetables, fruit and olive oil, Spaniards are increasingly eating pre-cooked food, meat derivatives and fruit substitutes.

Social changes, imported habits and fashions, as well as dietary advice are said to be to blame, say officials at the agriculture ministry.

It means they are eating too many proteins, carbohydrates and not enough cereals and vegetables.

Jesus Roman Martinez, a professor of nutrition, said: "We want quick food because we have no time."

Breakfast, considered by dieticians as crucial, is increasingly ignored.

Parents have quick lunches as do their children at school.

Four out of ten Spaniards said they ate no greens every day, 30 percent no fruit, 66 percent ate less than four daily portions of carbohydrates and 59 percent ate snacks while watching the television.