7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (2024)

The Mediterranean diet has long been recognized as one of the healthiest and most delicious ways to eat. The core concept behind this healthy diet is to eat like the people who live in the Mediterranean region by filling your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, legumes, fish and other lean protein, and enjoying moderate amounts of red wine (drinking is not required).

Beyond simply what you're putting on your plate, the Mediterranean diet also emphasizes healthy lifestyle habits, which include practicing mindful eating, getting plenty of activity and reducing stress as much as possible.

This seven-day Mediterranean diet plan helps you practice those habits with help from good-for-you foods and delicious Mediterranean diet-inspired ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for a full week of healthy eating.

At 1,200 calories you're on track to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week. If you're looking for a higher calorie level, see this same meal plan at 1,500 and 2,000 calories. And don't miss our seasonal Mediterranean diet meal plans for summer and fall!

7 Ways to Follow the Mediterranean Diet for Better Health

How to Meal Prep Your Week of Meals

  1. Meal prep the Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crispy Chickpeas to have for lunch during the busy workweek. Store in air-tight meal-prep containers to keep fresh.
  2. On Day 3, cook a double batch of Basic Quinoa when making dinner and save left over quinoa in a large airtight glass container. You'll use more quinoa for the on Day 4. Any quinoa leftover after that can be portioned out into individual servings and frozen for future use.
  3. If you have more time to spare and want to get ahead even more, you could peel and cut carrots for snacks for the week and make the red-pepper sauce for the on Day 4.

30 Days of Mediterranean Diet Dinners

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (2)

Day 1

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (3)

Breakfast (219 calories)

  • 1 serving Rainbow Frittata

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (374 calories)

  • 1 serving

P.M. Snack (126 calories)

  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

Dinner (442 calories)

  • 1 serving Dijon Salmon with Green Bean Pilaf

Daily Totals: 1,223 calories, 68 g protein, 114 g carbohydrates, 29 g fiber, 58 g fat, 1,615 mg sodium

Day 2

Breakfast (287 calories)

  • 1 serving Muesli with Raspberries

A.M. Snack (30 calories)

  • 1 plum

Lunch (337 calories)

  • 1 serving Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas

P.M. Snack (102 calories)

  • 2 Tbsp. hummus
  • 2 medium carrots

Dinner (479 calories)

  • 1 serving Linguine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Daily Totals: 1,235 calories, 45 g protein, 165 g carbohydrates, 39 g fiber, 48 g fat, 1,059 mg sodium

Day 3

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (5)

Breakfast (252 calories)

  • 1 serving

A.M. Snack (61 calories)

  • 2 plums

Lunch (337 calories)

  • 1 serving Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas

P.M. Snack (126 calories)

  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

Dinner (429 calories)

  • 1 serving Cod in Tomato Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup Basic Quinoa

Daily Totals: 1,205 calories, 59 g protein, 138 g carbohydrates, 33 g fiber, 47 g fat, 1,129 mg sodium

Day 4

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (6)

Breakfast (291 calories)

  • 1 serving Creamy Blueberry-Pecan Overnight Oatmeal

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (337 calories)

  • 1 serving Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas

P.M. Snack (61 calories)

  • 2 plums

Dinner (479 calories)

  • 1 serving

Daily Totals: 1,230 calories, 36 g protein, 159 g carbohydrates, 32 g fiber, 54 g fat, 1,170 mg sodium

Day 5

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (7)

Breakfast (288 calories)

  • 1 serving Muesli with Raspberries

A.M. Snack (31 calories)

  • 1 plum

Lunch (337 calories)

  • 1 serving Brussels Sprouts Salad with Crunchy Chickpeas

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Dinner (491 calories)

  • 2 generous cups
  • 1-inch-thick slice baguette

Meal-Prep Tip: Save 1 1/2 cups of the to have for lunch on Day 6.

Daily Totals: 1,209 calories, 83 g protein, 153 g carbohydrates, 37 g fiber, 36 g fat, 1,081 mg sodium

Day 6

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (8)

Breakfast (291 calories)

  • 1 serving Creamy Blueberry-Pecan Overnight Oatmeal

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (248 calories)

  • 1 1/2 cups

P.M. Snack (129 calories)

  • 3 Tbsp. hummus
  • 2 medium carrots

Dinner (442 calories)

  • 1 serving
  • 1-inch-thick slice baguette

Daily Totals: 1,172 calories, 71 g protein, 159 g carbohydrates, 30 g fiber, 38 g fat, 1,633 mg sodium

Day 7

Breakfast (252 calories)

  • 1 serving

A.M. Snack (94 calories)

  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek Yogurt

Lunch (374 calories)

  • 1 serving

P.M. Snack (102 calories)

  • 2 Tbsp. hummus
  • 2 medium carrots

Dinner (397 calories)

  • 1 serving
  • 1-inch-thick slice baguette

Daily Totals: 1,219 calories, 69 g protein, 166 g carbohydrates, 32 g fiber, 36 g fat, 1,927 mg sodium

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories (2024)

FAQs

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

If you want to lose weight following a Mediterranean diet here are my 5 tips that work.
  1. Eat your main meal early in the day. ...
  2. Eat vegetables as a main course cooked in olive oil. ...
  3. You should drink water mostly and sometimes tea, coffee and wine (for adults) ...
  4. Consume the right amount of olive oil. ...
  5. Move.
Jan 17, 2024

What is an example of a Mediterranean diet meal? ›

7-day meal plan
BreakfastVegetable and egg frittata served with sliced avocado on top of whole grain toast For extra calories, add another egg.
LunchLentil and tuna salad
DinnerMediterranean pasta
BreakfastChia pudding topped with fresh berries and almond butter
LunchMediterranean white bean soup and a Greek salad
16 more rows

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.

How many pounds can you lose each week with Mediterranean diet? ›

At 1,200 calories you're on track to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week. If you're looking for a higher calorie level, see this same meal plan at 1,500 and 2,000 calories. Don't forget to also check out our Easy Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Beginners and the No-Sugar Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan.

How to lose belly fat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose Lean Proteins: Focus on fish and poultry over red meat. Include beans, nuts, and other plant-based proteins. Moderate Wine Intake: If you consume alcohol, switch to wine and drink in moderation. Stay Active: As the study suggests, coupling the diet with regular physical activity yields better results.

How can I lose 20lbs in 2 weeks? ›

How To Lose 20 Pounds In 2 Weeks: Locking Down Your Nutrition To Finally Chase Away Those Extra Pounds
  1. Make a commitment.
  2. Cut your caloric intake.
  3. Up your protein intake.
  4. Eat more fiber.
  5. Plenty of sleep.
  6. Avoid refined carbs.
  7. Increase the intensity of your workouts.
  8. Set a nightly food cutoff time.
Jan 16, 2024

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 do you eat in the morning on a Mediterranean diet? ›

“An ideal breakfast would be two slices of 100% whole-grain bread with two scrambled eggs sautéed with some spinach and tomatoes, and maybe a little avocado,” Gans explains. “You're getting healthy fats, protein from the eggs, and whole grains.”

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 are 5 negatives from the Mediterranean diet? ›

Possible Health Concerns
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products. ...
  • Wine is a common part of a Mediterranean eating style but some people should not drink alcohol.
Jul 30, 2022

Is peanut butter okay for a Mediterranean diet? ›

The Mediterranean Diet

It also includes fish and other seafood, as well as olive oil as the main fat source for cooking. It offers more good, monounsaturated fats (found in foods like peanuts, peanut butter, seeds and olive oil) than the typical American diet, which is heavier on saturated fats from animal protein.

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.

How many eggs a day on Mediterranean diet? ›

Eggs: Limit egg yolks to 4 per week. Egg whites can be eaten in unlimited amounts. Sweets: Eat sweets less often – use fruit as your dessert. Red Meat: Lean red meats (beef, pork, lamb and veal) can be eaten 3-4 times per month.

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

What do you eat on the Mediterranean diet everyday? ›

Each day, eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant-based fats. Each week, have fish, poultry, beans, legumes and eggs. Enjoy moderate portions of dairy products. Limit how much red meat you eat.

Why am I not losing weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

You might not be losing weight on the diet if you're not keeping an eye on your portions. You could also not be losing weight if you're not exercising or watching your red wine consumption.

What are 3 cons of the Mediterranean diet? ›

There may be health concerns with this eating style for some people, including:
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products.
Jul 30, 2022

How much water should you drink in a day on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Your individual water needs are based on your body size, age, activity level, and where you live. However, most men need around three liters of water per day while most women need somewhere around two liters per day.

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