Once again, the Mediterranean Diet ranks #1 in Best Diets Overall. It is based on the traditional way of eating in the 21 countries that border the Mediterranean Sea.
Although the people who live in this diverse area have different cultures and cuisines and eat different types of food, there is one common factor in their eating habits. Their way of eating is rich in plant-based foods, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats such as olive oil, fish, and other beneficial fares, making it an eminently sensible diet.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean Diet is:
Family-friendly. All family members can enjoy healthy and balanced meals together; usually, there is no need for modification.
Budget-friendly. The ingredients for the Mediterranean Diet recipes are easy to find at a typical grocery. Furthermore, by cutting down on red meat and increasing the consumption of vegetables and whole grains, limiting the amount of meat will typically reduce the food budget.
Vegan or vegetarian friendly. Many of the recipes are vegetarian or vegan. The rest can be easily modified for a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Gluten-free friendly. Mediterranean recipes can be easily modified for a gluten-free diet.
The Mediterranean Diet is ranked as follows:
- # 1 in Best Diets Overall
- # 1 in Best Plant-Based Diets
- # 21 in Best Fast Weight-Loss Diets
- # 1 in Best Diets for Bone and Joint Health (tie)
- # 1 in Best Family-Friendly Diets (tie)
- # 5 in Best Weight-Loss Diets
- # 1 in Best Heart-Healthy Diets (tie)
- # 1 in Best Diabetes Diets
- # 1 in Diets for Healthy Eating
- # 1 in Easiest Diets to Follow
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 best diet is one 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.
Related posts
- What is the Mediterranean Diet?
- Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle
- Mediterranean Diet Food List
- Easy Ways to Adopt the Mediterranean Diet
- 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, diet, or lifestyle change.
Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes And Tuscan Kale
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