It mightn't look like it, but summer is creeping up on us quite fast...

This means many things: holidays, longer evenings and a new wardrobe, but it also means lighter lunches. We're migrating from the cosy soup midday meals and drawing in some fresh fruit and vegetable salads.

Today, we're Getting To The Crunch in association with Special K Cracker Crisps and looking at the health benefits of these Meditearranean-style, nutrient-packed meals.

1. The Benefits

Eating Mediterranean-style diet can have a multitude of benefits for your health. It can cut heart attacks, strokes and death rates in people at high risk of heart disease by as much as a third.

2. Longevity

Swedish researchers have also proved that the healthy eating regime could add an extra three years to your life.

3. Anti-oxidants

A Mediterannean-style diet is a rich source of chemicals called anti-oxidants that fight cancer, heart disease and can slow the ageing process too.

4. What To Eat

Doctors have recommended the diet as a healthy eating plan because it's high in fruits, vegetables, fish and wholegrain cereals. It's low in meat and dairy.

5. Cook It 

When you're cooking, make like the Med and use olive oil instead of butter. Use the oil for dressing salads and moistening bread too.

Getting To The Crunch is brought to you in association with Special K Cracker Crisps. 

Special K Cracker Crisps come in 3 flavours - Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Sour Cream and Onion and Sweet Chilli. Delivering 21 crisps for less than 95 calories, you can enjoy all of the taste with none of the worry! Crisps that love you back...