The Mediterranean Diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods (and drinks) of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Diet is not a diet, as in “go on a diet,” even though it is a great way to lose weight or improve your health. Rather, it is a lifestyle – including foods, activities, meals with friends and family, and wine in moderation with meals. It has been studied and noted by scores of leading scientists as one of the healthiest in the world. Just as important, the Mediterranean Diet is full of wonderfully delicious, flavor-filled dishes and meals. It’s easy to understand what it is by thinking about Mediterranean dishes or “plates.” For instance, think about these simple, yet healthy and delicious dishes:

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L to R: Whole Grain Pasta with Vegetables, Fragrant Couscous, Greek Salad, Creamy Hummus with Warm Pita, Sautéed Spinach with Lemon.

 

Oldways, the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid and the MFA

To help people everywhere understand the Mediterranean Diet, Oldways developed the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, with the help of the Harvard School of Public Health and many scientists from Mediterranean countries and the US. And, to help more consumers worldwide discover Mediterranean foods and how to use them through cooking and other simple steps, Oldways founded the Mediterranean Foods Alliance (MFA). Browse the MFA’s Fresh Fridays e-newletter archives and subscribe to future issues for information about the Mediterranean Diet and great recipes to try at home. Click on the menu choices at left to learn more, or visit our Resources page to find our many Mediterranean handouts, menus and other resources.

Visit our Mediterranean Diet Milestones page for more about Oldways and the history of the Mediterranean Diet in the United States.

 

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