It promotes disease prevention, weight management, and mental health. I have always said if there’s ONE diet you have to follow, this would be it! The reason why I love this diet (or lifestyle) for athletes is because of the ANTI-INFLAMMATORY properties. Athletes create inflammation in the body through rigorous training and games. This inflammation is a natural process. Inflammation caused by poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices is inflammation that leads to disease. The basis of the Mediterranean diet is food with anti-inflammatory effects. Foods that are high in fiber, foods that are high in Omega 3’s and healthy fats, and foods that are rich in antioxidants.