Life expectancy in most Mediterranean countries is longer than almost anywhere else in the world, especially on Crete, where scientists recently discovered that the population owes its longevity not to lifestyle, but to diet. This is more of an eating plan than a diet, which will leave you full of energy and joie de vivre!

The main principle behind the diet, is a reduction of portion size, and to stop eating when you feel full. Eating slowly will help your body make the distinction between hungry and full, and the resulting drop in calorie intake will see the kilos drop off.
It is also important to choose 'good' fats - vegetable, especially olive oils are better than animal fats for instance, so cut back on butter, creme fraiche, sausages, hams and charcuterie and fatty cheese.

Example meal:
Starter: tomatoes and fresh basil
Main course: pasts with fresh tomato and spinach sauce
Dessert: fruit salad from in-season fruit
Drinks: water and a glass of red wine

This can be hard to follow if you eat out regularly, and expensive if you don't have a market nearby where you can pick up good-quality fruit and vegetables. If you have a lot of weight to lose, this is not the best diet to go for.
Finally, if you don't keep a sharp eye on your calorie intake, you won't lose much weight. But don't forget, that the diet will make you much healthier!