Mediterraneanizing Spellcheck doesn’t know this word yet, but at Oldways, this really is one strategy for fulfilling our mission improving public health through education about traditional diet, ingredients, and lifestyles.
Mediterraneanizing means turning unhealthy meals and dishes into ones that are healthy and that embrace Mediterranean Diet principles and ingredients. It’s a makeover! Since May is International Mediterranean Diet Month we thought it was the perfect time to formally Mediterraneanize some American favorites into healthy Mediterranean Diet-inspired dishes. Working with the California Walnut Commission and Registered Dietitian Janice Bissex, we chose five American classics to transform easily into healthy (and delicious) classics from different parts of the Mediterranean.
Spaghetti & Meatballs Pasta Puttanesca, with inspiration from Italy
Steak & Potatoes Shish Kebabs, inspired by Turkey
Scrambled Eggs & Sausage Spanish Frittata
Turkey Sandwich Eastern Mediterranean Walnut Hummus Pita Pocket
Cheese & Crackers Antipasto Platter with flavors of North Africa
Even if it’s hard to say Mediterraneanize, it’s very easy to adopt these healthy makeovers. Just like Vogue and Mademoiselle magazines, we have the before and after photos, along with easy, affordable recipes, all in one brochure posted on the Oldways website. We hope you’ll love the Mediterraneanized makeovers not just for their healthfulness, but most of all for their great flavors.
And don’t just stop with these 5! Come up with your own Mediterraneanized makeovers and tell us about them. We’d love to highlight them in a future blog post and share your Mediterranean inspiration!
Happy Mediterranean Month!
Sara Baer-Sinnott, Oldways President
Sheila 
