For Nella Grey, heart health was always in the back of her mind. Her father had a heart attack at 58. Her uncle, the same.
“I knew genetics were working against me,” she says. “So I decided to work with food.”. A Health Nutrition Book: The Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutrients
That’s when she discovered the Mediterranean way of eating—not as a strict diet, but as a daily rhythm. “It wasn’t about following a list,” Nella explains. “It was about embracing a different mindset.”
She started shopping like she was at a market in southern Italy—choosing fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and whole grains.
Bread wasn’t banned, but it had to be hearty and whole. Cheese was allowed, just in moderation.
Breakfast became simple and satisfying: whole grain toast with mashed avocado and a drizzle of olive oil.
Lunch was a vibrant salad with chickpeas, olives, and feta. Dinner often featured grilled fish, sautéed greens, and a glass of red wine with friends.
“The beauty of it was how livable it felt,” Nella says. She didn’t count calories or cut food groups. Instead, she listened to her body, chewed slowly, and enjoyed every bite.
Her cholesterol improved. Her blood pressure dropped. But most importantly, she felt vibrant. “It wasn’t just food,” she says. “It was connection, flavor, and joy.”
