Low-fat, low-carb diets are all the rage. It can be difficult to navigate what is a healthy choice and what is just a fad diet. The Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet by Robert Santos-Prowse, MS, RD takes a unique approach to these diet trends by adding the Mediterranean twist.

In this book we first look at the science behind basic nutrition. This is a very factual and in depth look that is quite fascinating even for the non-science types, like myself. Next, we go into what a Ketogenic diet looks like. This includes basic mechanics and how it works. For those of you that haven’t heard about Keto diets the primary focus is on healthy fats and minimal carbs. Some people interpret that as heavy meat but that is not necessarily accurate. 

An explanation of the Mediterranean diet including a brief look at its history follows. We also learn about the lifestyle aspects that make the Mediterranean diet so appealing. Longer meal times and physical activity are key. Healthy fats play a big role as well.  Then the author takes you to his diet plan which is a hybrid of the two – Ketogenic Mediterranean. We dive into what that type of diet will look like. Lots of fresh vegetables, good fats and moderate protein. The keys to take away are quality ingredients. Lists with what to eat are included.

The conclusion of the book follows your typical diet books with several recipes to start you on your journey. These are broken down by breakfast, lunch, dinner, breads and desserts. There is also a meal plan which is particularly helpful for starting this diet. Overall, the book is a complete look at and history to the two major diets and then an explanation on why and how to bring them together.

I found this book to be a very useful tool because I learned so much about the mechanics of the diet. It didn’t just tell me what to eat but gave a detailed look at why you should eat what you eat and the benefits for doing so. I also like that it had what I consider sound information. Whole foods, quality ingredients and sustainable food choices are what we’ve heard for years from every sustainable diet plan and they are key with this one as well.  You will not be eating sugary foods on this diet, but you will be eating well and healthy. Frankly, this isn’t a quick fix or fad if that is what you are looking for you will be disappointed in this book and diet. The Ketogenic Mediterranean Diet is a lifestyle approach to healthy eating and living.  

-Product review by Lisa Rupertus, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, November, 2017