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.

What foods to eat and avoid on a Mediterranean diet list? ›

All Mediterranean Diet pyramids encourage you to eat mostly veggies, fruits, whole grains and extra virgin olive oil while limiting red meat and sweets. The Mediterranean Diet pyramid is different from the Food Guide Pyramid that the U.S. government created in the 1990s.

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

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].

What is the best fruit on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Fruits common to the traditional Mediterranean Diet include: apples, apricots, avocados, cherries, clementines, dates, figs, grapefruits, grapes, melons, nectarines, olives, oranges, peaches, pears, pomegranates, strawberries, tangerines, tomatoes.

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

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 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)

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can you drink coffee on a 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.

Can you eat unlimited fruit on Mediterranean diet? ›

Foods to Eat

There are nearly unlimited fresh fruits and vegetables on the Mediterranean diet. Note that potatoes are excluded from most Mediterranean diet scoring systems. Whole grains. Fill your pantry with quinoa, barley, farro, freekeh and other whole 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.

Can you eat mashed potatoes on Mediterranean diet? ›

Can You Eat Potatoes on the Mediterranean Diet? The short answer is yes. Whether white or sweet potatoes, they are allowed on the Mediterranean diet even though they might be viewed as high-carb food. Potatoes are highly favored, as they not only have high levels of potassium but also contain vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Is popcorn ok on a 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.

References

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