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.

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

How to follow it
Focus onvegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, seafood, and extra virgin olive oil
Limit or avoidred meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, other highly processed foods, beers, and liqors
1 more row

Are bananas ok on the Mediterranean diet? ›

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 peanut butter allowed 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?

Is oatmeal ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Oatmeal is a safe option that can be dressed up for breakfast to make it better. Try adding a variety of nuts and fruit to improve the taste of plain oatmeal. Consider making it with honey, diced apples and chopped walnuts. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are also good options.

Are potatoes ok 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 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. If you want to include popcorn in your diet, here are a few things to keep in mind: Pay attention to portion sizes.

Why is butter not allowed on Mediterranean diet? ›

The diet limits the intake of red meat, high-fat dairy products, and foods that are high in saturated fat, such as butter and cream. Avoiding processed foods can improve your overall health. It will also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Spain and Italy: toasted bread + soft cheese + fresh fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Greece: paximadia (bread made from whole wheat, chickpea, and barley flour) + olives + cheese. Syria: tahini yogurt with chickpeas + pickles + sliced radishes. Morocco: fried egg in olive oil + soft cheese + olives + flatbread.

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].

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.

What can I use instead of butter on Mediterranean diet? ›

Mediterranean diet is a better alternative

Brozek recommends substituting both butter and margarine with olive oil or canola oil whenever possible. This falls more in line with a Mediterranean diet, which is high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats have been proven to be the best types of fats.

Is coffee okay 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.

Is toast ok on a Mediterranean diet? ›

1.To get the most out of your breakfast toast, be sure to use a hearty and healthy bread like an organic whole grain or whole wheat bread. One slice is often enough if you're eating quality nutrition-packed bread. If you don't want to use bread, make sweet potato toast as an alternative!

Is mayonnaise allowed on a 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 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 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 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

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