What Is the Mediterranean Diet? (2024)

FAQs

What exactly do you eat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The foundation of the Mediterranean diet is plant foods. That means meals are built around vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains. Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry and eggs are part of the Mediterranean diet, as is seafood. In contrast, red meat is eaten only once in a while.

Foods to limit on a Mediterranean diet include: Added sugar: added sugar is found in many foods but especially high in soda, candies, ice cream, table sugar, syrup, and baked goods. Refined grains: white bread, pasta, tortillas, chips, crackers. Trans fats: found in margarine, fried foods, and other processed foods.

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

On the Mediterranean diet, all foods are included. So the good news is, if you love potatoes (who doesn't?!) then you can continue eating them on the Mediterranean diet. Try our Roasted Mediterranean Potatoes made with herbs, heart healthy oil, and vitamin C-rich lemon!

All types of fresh fruits, including bananas, are a go on the diet. If I'm on the Mediterranean diet, what can I put in my coffee? Coffee is a beloved beverage worldwide, including among those who follow a Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is centered around whole grains, such as farro, millet, couscous and brown rice. With this eating style, you'll generally want to limit your intake of refined grains such as white pasta and white bread. When you're following the Mediterranean diet, red wine should be your chosen alcoholic drink.

Peanuts and peanut butter play an important role in the Mediterranean Diet. They are sources of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and protein and can lower your risk of weight gain, since they help keep you feeling full for hours.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends the Mediterranean diet to promote health and prevent disease. This diet includes: Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil. Eating primarily plant-based foods, like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts.

What is a typical Mediterranean lunch? ›

Lunch on the Mediterranean diet typically includes colorful ingredients — like vegetables and whole grains — that are flavorful and packed with nutrients. You can enjoy meals like falafel sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and tuna salads for lunch while following this diet.

A typical Mediterranean diet has common elements such as lots of vegetables, fruits, beans, cereals and cereal products, for example wholegrain bread, pasta and brown rice.

Water should be the first thing you reach for. Coffee and tea are also fine, as long as you watch the added cream or sugar. Limit intake of sugar- sweetened drinks, like soda, fruit juice, or sweet tea. One glass of red wine is also permitted in this diet.

Eggs: Limit egg yolks to 4 per week. Egg whites can be eaten in unlimited amounts. Sweets: Eat sweets less often – use fruit as your dessert. Red Meat: Lean red meats (beef, pork, lamb and veal) can be eaten 3-4 times per month.

Mediterranean Diet Pantry Staples

Fresh or frozen fish and seafood. Fresh, frozen or canned vegetables (aim for no salt added) and fruits (packed in its own juice or no sugar added)

Cheese and yogurt are eaten regularly in the traditional Mediterranean diet, but in low to moderate amounts. The calcium in cheese and yogurt is important for bone and heart health. Low fat and nonfat dairy products ease concerns of adverse consequences of somewhat higher consumption of dairy products.