A Mediterranean Diet Nutrition Education Program for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Southeastern U.S.

Participants will receive nutrition education and educational materials from a registered dietitian on patients on the patterns of a Mediterranean style diet. Seven education sessions will be delivered through an online platform. Participants will be asked to complete one education session per week for the first six weeks and the final session at week 9.

Participants in the Mediterranean diet group will receive 3 liters of extra-virgin olive oil and 3 pounds of mixed nuts (1.5 pounds raw almonds and 1.5 pounds raw walnuts) at baseline and at 6 weeks. Participants will be educated by oral and written means, on consumption goals of the nuts and olive oil.

Participants will receive nutrition education and educational materials from a registered dietitian on patients on the dietary recommendations from the American Heart Association for heart health. Seven education sessions will be delivered through an online platform. Participants will be asked to complete one education session per week for the first six weeks and the final session at week 9.