Are you wondering how to reap the Mediterranean Diet’s health benefits since it does not exclude any food groups? What foods are considered unhealthy in the Mediterranean way of eating? Can we still indulge in desserts?

Well, we all need a sweet treat now and then. When following the Mediterranean way of eating, fruits are a more regular choice of dessert.

Things to avoid as much as possible are the well-known unhealthy foods:

Added sugars:

• Eat sweets and desserts on occasion.
• Look for the hidden sugars in many foods and drink options.
• Avoid sugary drinks, sugar-coated breakfast cereals, etc. 

Highly processed foods and meats: Food items labeled as:

• diet
• low-fat
• light

are highly processed and usually have added sugars to improve taste and texture.

Foods made with refined grains (white bread, pasta, etc.): Refined grains have been stripped of all their beneficial properties. 

Trans fats: Margarine and other products resulting from the industrial processing of vegetable oils include trans fats. They have been known to raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and other ailments. 

It is essential to read the labels of the food and drink items we purchase at the grocery store to eliminate these culprits.

Related pages

• What is the Mediterranean Diet?
• Mediterranean Diet Food List
• Mediterranean Diet Rated as the Best Diet for 2020
• Food Glossary of the Mediterranean Diet
• Mediterranean Diet Resources
• Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
• Easy Ways To Adopt The Mediterranean Diet

Eat Mediterranean Food is a personal blog and recipes website dedicated to Mediterranean cooking and lifestyle. The readers assume full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding any health conditions and concerns before starting a health program or diet or lifestyle changes.