The Italian Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
Excerpt From: Live Longer & Healthier Eating Foods You Love

The foundation of the Italian Mediterranean diet is daily physical activity.  It can be as simple as walking 1-2 miles per day.   Foods listed towards the bottom of the pyramid (Fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes) should be eaten in abundance.  As you travel up the pyramid, you decrease the amount of each item.  Although olive oil should be used daily in lieu of butter and saturated or trans fats, it should be a small  part of your diet compared to fish, pork and poultry or cheese and nuts.  Adjust the foods you eat to meet your needs while keeping in mind that foods listed towards the top of the pyramid should be eaten less often while foods listed at the bottom should be eaten in abundance.