What foods can you eat on the Mediterranean diet?

You will eat mostly plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, potatoes, whole-grains, beans, nuts, seeds and extra virgin olive oil. Meals are planned around these foods. The diet also includes moderate amounts of lean poultry, fish, seafood, dairy and eggs.

What do Mediterraneans eat for breakfast?

Spain and Italy: toasted bread + soft cheese + fresh fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Greece: paximadia (bread made from whole wheat, chickpea, and barley flour) + olives + cheese. Syria: tahini yogurt with chickpeas + pickles + sliced radishes. Morocco: fried egg in olive oil + soft cheese + olives + flatbread.

What groceries do I buy for a Mediterranean diet?

Top Foods to Add to Your Grocery List
  • Extra virgin olive oil.
  • Nuts: almonds, walnuts.
  • Whole grains: quinoa, farro.
  • Beans: chickpeas, lentils, split peas, cannellini.
  • Dairy: tzatziki, feta, Romano, low-fat yogurt.
  • Fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel.
  • Meat: chicken breast, shrimp.

What foods can you eat on the Mediterranean diet? – Related Questions

Which bread is best for Mediterranean diet?

You can still enjoy bread as part of the Mediterranean Diet, just swap your white bread for whole grains. Whole grain breads and pastas contain more fiber, vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat pitas are a healthier option as they are usually lower in calories.

Is peanut butter OK on Mediterranean diet?

And as plant-based protein sources that are high in good and unsaturated fats, peanuts and peanut butter are a natural fit within Mediterranean and Flexitarian ways of eating.

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet?

10 Foods to eat on a mediterranean diet
  • Berries. Due to their high fiber and antioxidant content, berries are one of the best fruits to consume on a Mediterranean diet.
  • Greek yogurt.
  • Extra virgin olive oil.
  • Nuts.
  • Whole grains like quinoa.
  • Leafy greens.
  • Beans like chickpeas.
  • Eggplant.

How do I stock my fridge for the Mediterranean diet?

Staples to include in your Mediterranean pantry include:
  1. Extra-virgin olive oil.
  2. Fresh or frozen fish and seafood.
  3. Fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruits.
  4. Fresh herbs and spices.
  5. Nonfat Greek yogurt.
  6. Nuts and seeds.
  7. Olives and avocados.
  8. Part-skim milk cheese.

How many eggs a day on Mediterranean diet?

Based on their high cholesterol content, the Mediterranean Diet Foundation recommends to consume up to 4 eggs per week, as a healthy alternative to fish or meat [7], and the same amount (2–4 eggs per week) was indicated in the latest Italian dietary guidelines [8].

What kind of cheese is allowed on the Mediterranean diet?

Cheese & Yogurt

Dairy products common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: brie, chevre, corvo, feta, haloumi, manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, ricotta, yogurt (including Greek yogurt).

Can you have potatoes on a Mediterranean diet?

Potatoes definitely shouldn’t be avoided on the Mediterranean diet. Potatoes may seem like a “bad carb” sometimes, but they aren’t viewed that way on this diet. They can be a great source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and more. Try eating white potatoes and sweet potatoes without going overboard.

Can you eat bacon on Mediterranean diet?

On the Mediterranean diet, you should minimize your intake of red meat, such as steak. What about processed red meat, such as hot dogs and bacon? You should avoid these foods or limit them as much as possible.

Does canned tuna count in Mediterranean diet?

Canned tuna is a great Mediterranean Diet food. It is rich in protein, low in fat and calories, and is an excellent source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which science has shown to improve heart health and brain function.

Is oatmeal OK on Mediterranean diet?

Oats are a whole grain, which is encouraged on the Mediterranean diet. Low or moderate amounts of cheese, such as brie, feta, ricotta, and Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), are also allowed. All types of fresh fruits, including bananas, are a go on the diet.

What Rice Can I use on the Mediterranean diet?

Eat a variety of whole grains (like whole-wheat bread, whole-grain pasta, and brown rice). Limit refined grains (like white rice and white bread).

Are tomatoes on Mediterranean diet?

Among the vegetables, tomatoes are a main component of the traditional Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with health protection and longevity.

Is Baked Potato on Mediterranean diet?

Yes, you can enjoy potatoes on the Mediterranean diet.

Potatoes are a fat free, cholesterol free, low sodium vegetable with protein and that are also a good source for Vitamin C and potassium.

Is spaghetti on Mediterranean diet?

Can you have Pasta on a Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean diet encourages upping your intake of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, seafood, and extra-virgin olive oil. Therefore, pasta (whole grain pasta, in particular), can absolutely be part of a Mediterranean diet.

Are carrots allowed on the Mediterranean diet?

Vegetables common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, celeriac, chicory, collard greens, cucumbers, dandelion greens, eggplant, fennel, kale, leeks, lemons, lettuce, mache, mushrooms, mustard greens, nettles, okra, onions (red,

What kind of sweets can you have on the Mediterranean diet?

10 Easy Desserts You Can Enjoy on the Mediterranean Diet
  • Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake.
  • Balsamic Berries with Honey Yogurt.
  • Sticky Gluten-Free Lemon Cake.
  • Honeyed Phyllo Stacks with Pistachios, Spiced Fruit, and Yogurt.
  • Brûléed Ricotta.
  • Yogurt and Honey Olive Oil Cake.
  • Domenica Marchetti’s Carrot Polenta Cake with Marsala.