Time to move beyond your understanding of cucumber, feta, olives, tomato, and red onion—and onto what makes this eating pattern so powerful.

The Mediterranean diet -- which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains -- has once again topped U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking of best diets. The publication on Friday named the diet the best overall diet for the eighth year in a row.

I amaze myself with what I achieve. And then there are days when I put my keys in the fridge. If this sounds horribly familiar and you, like me, are approaching midlife and wondering what you can do to protect your memory and brain health,