1. Mediterranean diet is not as stringent as other dietary programs. This diet covers a variety of foods with little limitation. Therefore, you won’t feel deprived when you follow this eating pattern.
2. The foods included in the diet are tasty, so you’ll still enjoy your meals while you stay healthy.
3. This diet is a long-term eating pattern that targets overall well-being instead of being focused on individual problems like obesity and cancer.

All these reasons make this diet popular among those in search of a better health. If you plan to go into this diet, there are just a few things you need to remember. These things revolve around two main principles: first, more raw and natural foods and less processed products and, second, more plant-based foods and less meat.

The Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid

The Mediterranean diet guidelines are summed up in the Mediterranean diet food pyramid. This pyramid presents the different types of food in a hierarchy according to the recommended amount of consumption.

At the bottom of the pyramid are those that should be consumed more often. These include food rich in carbohydrates like pasta and bread, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables, and dairy foods like cheese and yogurt. Olive oil is also recommended as the main source of fat while wine is advised to be taken moderately together with meals. These are to be consumed daily, and the ideal serving of fruits is up to nine times a day. Recently, herbs and spices have also been included in this group to replace salt as flavorings.

Following this group in the pyramid are fish and other sea foods, eggs, and poultry. These are to be consumed in moderate amounts several times a week. For eggs, the ideal number is four pieces each week or fewer. And although Mediterranean diet favors fruits for dessert, sweets are also fine as long as they are taken moderately. An ideal example is honey.

The last in the pyramid is meat. Although it’s not totally banned in the diet, it’s only advised to be consumed in low amounts several times a month.

Together with this food pyramid, Mediterranean diet also stresses the importance of enjoying your meal (this is probably the reason this diet emphasizes flavors, albeit natural ones). These guidelines also highlight the importance of sharing meals with friends and family, and engaging in physical activities like walking and sports.

Right foods, more physical activities, and meal enjoyment—these are the core of the Mediterranean eating pattern. The rules are simple and the diet is ideal for any of your health goals, be it to lose weight or to simply live a healthier lifestyle. With these few reminders and Mediterranean diet guidelines in mind, you’ll be on your way to a healthier living.