Mediterranean Diet: 21 Foods to Avoid & What You Should Eat (2024)

  • Mediterranean Diet Foods
    • What Foods Are Allowed on the Mediterranean Diet?
  • Guide

Mediterranean Diet: 21 Foods to Avoid & What You Should Eat (1)

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

A Mediterranean diet is not a specific diet plan, but a way of eating based on diets typically eaten by people in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. Olive oil is the main source of fat, and moderate consumption of wine is allowed. It also usually permits low to moderate consumption of fish, poultry, and dairy products, but minimal amounts of red meat.

What to Avoidon the Mediterranean Diet

While the Mediterranean diet is not a strict diet plan, foods that are generally not allowed on the Mediterranean diet include:

  • Processed red meats
    • Hot dogs
    • Bacon
    • Lunch meats
    • Sausage
  • Heavily processed foods
    • Frozen meals that have a lot of sodium
    • Sodas
    • Sugary beverages
    • Sugary desserts
    • Candy
    • Processed cheeses
  • Refined grains
    • White bread
    • White pasta
    • Products with white flour
  • Alcohol (other than red wine)
  • Butter
  • Refined, processed, or hydrogenated oils
    • Soybean oil
    • Safflower oil
    • Corn oil
    • Vegetable oil
    • Canola oil
    • Hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils

What Foods Are Allowed on the Mediterranean Diet?

Foods allowed on the Mediterranean diet include:

  • Plant foods that are minimally processed and seasonally fresh
    • Fruits
      • Aim for three servings of fresh fruit daily
      • Poached or fresh fruit is best, which can also be enjoyed as a dessert
  • Vegetables
    • Aim for three to four servings a day
    • Have a salad with each meal
    • Add an extra serving of vegetables to lunch and dinner
  • Whole grains
    • Whole-grain pasta
    • Barley
    • Farro
    • Couscous
    • Bulgur
    • Dense, chewy, country-style whole-grain bread loaves without added sugar or butter
  • Nuts
  • Legumes
    • Aim for at least 3 servings per week
    • Lentils
    • Chickpeas
    • Beans
    • Peas
  • Extra virgin olive oil
    • This should be the main source of fat
  • Cheese (not processed) and low-fat yogurt
    • May consume daily in low to moderate amounts
    • Plain Greek yogurt is recommended
  • Fish
    • Two to three servings per week
    • Canned and fresh fish are acceptable
    • Prepare grilled; avoid fried fish
  • Lean poultry
    • Eat a few times a week in low to moderate amounts
    • 3- to 4-ounce portions
  • Wine with meals in low to moderate amounts
    • No more than two 5-ounce glasses per day for men, and one glass per day for women

References

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/healthy-diet-in-adults?search=Mediterranean%20Diet&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~45&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H24
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/a-practical-guide-to-the-mediterranean-diet-2019032116194
https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/articles/what-foods-are-not-allowed-on-mediterranean-diet
https://www.themedimove.com/uncategorized/foods-to-avoid/

Mediterranean Diet: 21 Foods to Avoid & What You Should Eat (2024)

FAQs

Mediterranean Diet: 21 Foods to Avoid & What You Should Eat? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains

refined grains
A refined grain is defined as having undergone a process that removes the bran, germ and husk of the grain and leaves the endosperm, or starchy interior. Examples of refined grains include white bread, white flour, corn grits and white rice.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Refined_grains
, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Are bananas ok on the Mediterranean diet? ›

You can base your diet on these foods: Vegetables: tomatoes, broccoli, kale, spinach, onions, cauliflower, carrots, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips. Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, pears, strawberries, grapes, dates, figs, melons, peaches.

Is peanut butter ok on a 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. Unfamiliar with the Mediterranean and Flexitarian diets?

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet? ›

10 foods to add to your Mediterranean lifestyle
  • Extra virgin olive oil. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Wild salmon as a healthy animal protein. ...
  • Garlic for a reduced risk of cancer. ...
  • Oregano as an anti-inflammatory agent. ...
  • Mushrooms for a mental health boost.
Feb 3, 2022

Is pasta ok on a Mediterranean 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.

How many eggs can you eat on the 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].

Are potatoes allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Many people wonder whether you can eat potatoes on the Mediterranean diet. It's recommended by experts that you prioritize non-starchy vegetables like dark leafy greens, bell peppers and broccoli among others. But you can definitely enjoy starchy options like potatoes in moderation on a Mediterranean diet.

Can you eat popcorn on Mediterranean diet? ›

This is a common question we are asked, and yes, popcorn is absolutely included on the Mediterranean diet. Popcorn is a whole grain which means it contains more fiber and minerals than refined grains.

Is cheese ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Enjoy some dairy.

Some good choices are skim or 1% milk, low-fat cottage cheese, and low-fat Greek or plain yogurt. Limit how much cheese you eat. One serving is about the size of four dice. And cut back on higher fat dairy.

Is mayonnaise okay on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Avoid sauces made from cream or mayonnaise. Choose whole-grain breads, whole wheat pasta and pizza crust, brown rice, beans, and lentils. Cut back on butter or margarine on bread. Instead, you can dip your bread in a small amount of olive oil.

What is the staple food of the Mediterranean diet? ›

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)

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

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.

What is not allowed on a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Is oatmeal allowed on Mediterranean diet? ›

Absolutely to all three! 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.

Is coffee allowed on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Wondering what to drink on the Mediterranean diet? 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.

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.

What is the best fruit on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Due to their high fiber and antioxidant content, berries are one of the best fruits to consume on a Mediterranean diet.

Can you eat unlimited fruit on Mediterranean diet? ›

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Each day, aim for 2 to 3 servings of fruit and four or more servings of vegetables. One serving of fruit equals a medium piece of whole fruit or one cup of chopped.

References

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