MED DIET REDUX

The original, undisputed healthy-eating plan is undergoing a culinary revival. Re-energise your Mediterranean meals with a few fresh ingredients and a pinch of kitchen flair

Give the classic eating plan a modern twist and turn it back into a labour of love

REKINDLE THE FLAME

Improve heart health, beat dementia and lose weight: this is what you expect from the Mediterranean diet of fish, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and dairy. But, while the eating plan may still claim column inches, epicureans have long tired of the prospect of endless salmon fillets. That’s where Sam Clark of London’s Moro comes in. He’ll help you refresh your recipes to transform the chore of healthy eating back into a labour of love.

JAMÓN IBÉRICO

There are meatier ways to benefit from healthy fats than oily fish. An acorn-rich diet makes Iberian pork high in oleic fatty acids, which safeguard your heart health. If you want to go the whole hog, buy a leg instead of a pre-sliced pack.

BROWN LENTILS

While we won’t begrudge you a bowl of spaghetti, lentils are the perfect source of carbs for men looking to chew through kilos. Low in fat and high in protein and fibre, they’ll increase satiety to take the hunger pangs out of any weight-loss plan.

PRESERVED LEMON

Once treated, lemon rind becomes palatable. Which is good news, because it contains nearly 10 times the amount of vitamin C found in the juice. In higher doses, the vitamin has been proven to sink cortisol levels and thus dial down stress.

AUBERGINE

This #Cleaneating staple boasts irrefutable health credentials. Aubergines contain nasunin, a potent phytonutrient that prevents damage from free radicals and slows the ageing process. It can also help to protect against Alzheimer’s.