What's the differences between the Mediterranean diet and Volumetrics? They seem kind of similar.

They are kind of similar, in that they both promote lots of fresh foods, both prefer seafood over beef, etc. But the specific focus of each plan is a little different.

Volumetrics looks more at the water content of foods, and the energy density. You eat more foods that give lots of volume for few calories. Like grapes, for example. It teaches you how to walk away from the table feeling full on fewer calories. We wrote about Volumetrics here - http://www.3fatchicks.com/diets/volumetrics.php

The Mediterranean diet doesn't really consider these things in the scheme of things, but focuses on more natural (less processed) foods such as vegeteables, whole grains, seafood, and good fats.

The biggest difference that I can think of at the moment, and in my opinion, would be the amount of fat with each diet. Volumetrics is a lower fat diet, while the Med diet would usually be a moderate fat (though good fat) diet. However, it would be easy to combine the two.

Thanks Suzanne, that's exactly what I would like to do. I have Barbara Roll's book and also The Omega Diet by Artemis Simopoulis. I was stationed in the Mediterranean while in the Navy and grew to love the cuisines there. Just less fat and more veggies for me then!

I just bought the omega diet book and have been reading up on it. This is a great book! I think it will be one of the tools to help me lose weight this up coming year. I was on the scale this morning and it's official, I've gained 6 pounds over the holidays! Ugh! I'm going to use this book as a lifestyle change, plus it gives me a plan so that I won't over eat.

Oh, so much good information! I am going to have to look into the "volumetrics" thing. Sounds interesting.

Both are healthy plans, can't go wrong IMHO.