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

Inclusion criteria

• Enrolled in Auburn University's health insurance program during the course of the study or a dependent of the enrollee during the course of the study
• BMI >24.9 (kg/m2)
• AND Meets two or more of the following
• Screening values classified in the "yellow" or "red" zone for:
• Systolic blood pressure (mmHg): Yellow zone: ≥140, Red zone: ≥160;
• Diastolic Blood pressure (mmHg): Yellow zone: ≥90, Red zone: ≥ 100;
• Fasting blood glucose (mm/dL): Yellow zone: ≥100, Red zone: ≥ 126
• Blood glucose (random) (mg/dL): Yellow zone: 140-200, Red zone > 200
• Total Cholesterol (mg/dL): Yellow zone: ≥200, red zone: ≥250
• Have a pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension, pre-diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia
• Current smoker (≥1 cigarette/day)
• Are: male (age: 55-80) or female (age: 60-80)
• A family history of premature coronary heart disease
• High risk ethnicity: Black, African American, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Non-Hispanic blacks, Mexican-Americans, Asian, Hispanic/Latino

Exclusion criteria

• Minors that are less than 19 years of age
• Individuals who are not enrolled in the Auburn University health insurance program for the 2016 plan year at baseline and have not yet completed initial visit
• Individuals who have not completed their 2015 "Healthy Tigers" biometric screening between January 1st and December 31st, 2015 (these can be completed by the "Healthy Tigers" staff or by submitting a healthcare provider form from the individuals' physician to the "Healthy Tigers" office), unless enrolled in "TigerMeds".
• Individuals who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant during the 12-week health and wellness challenge.
• Individuals who anticipate absence or travel throughout the study that would interfere with their ability to complete the analysis at the mid-point and end of challenge.
• Patients with a peanut, tree nut, or olive oil food allergy or intolerance.
• Patients who are unable or unwilling to travel to Auburn University main campus for live health and wellness challenge events, individual assessments, personal appointments, and pre- and post- data collection
• Individuals who have NOT been stabilized on medication to treat or manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dyslipidemia, or pre diabetes for at least 12 weeks prior to the study.
• Patients who do not have access to the internet and therefore unable to complete the education portion of the study
• Individuals who have a pacemaker
• Patients who decline participation during informed consent