For the fifth in a row (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018), the U.S. News & World Report has named the Mediterranean Diet the #1 in Best Diets Overall. It is rich in plant-based foods, whole grains, beans and legumes, and healthy fats such as olive oil, fish, and other healthy fares, making it an eminently sensible diet.

Nutritionists and dietitians nearly universally endorse it because it emphasizes wholesome foods, including whole grains, pulses, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The Mediterranean Diet is considered more of an eating pattern, a lifestyle rather than a diet with the word’s ordinary meaning. Most diets are strictly structured, often restrictive, sometimes banning entire food groups, and challenging to sustain.

Also, there isn’t exclusively “one” Mediterranean diet. Greeks eat differently from Italians, who eat differently from the peoples of the Middle East or North Africa, etc. It refers to the universal dietary principles of the people in the Mediterranean region. This brings a wide variety of cuisines and flavor profiles to everyday meals.

The Mediterranean diet can be budget-friendly. While some ingredients – olive oil, nuts, fish – can be expensive, there are ways to keep the tab reasonable. Since most meals are based on vegetables and whole grains, limiting the amount of meats will typically reduce the food budget.

The best diet is the one that you can make into a lifelong habit.

Millions of people who live or have origins in the Mediterranean region have long shown that this food and lifestyle approach is healthy and sustainable. It is an overall balanced lifestyle based on delicious, nutrient-dense foods, the pleasures of sharing meals amongst friends and family, and joyful movement.

You can see how easy it is to immerse yourself in this lifestyle as we celebrate the International Mediterranean Diet month in May, founded in 2009 by Oldways.

Related posts

• What is the Mediterranean Diet?
• Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
• Mediterranean Diet Food List
• Mediterranean Diet Rated as the Best Diet for 2020
• Mediterranean Diet Resources

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.