Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (such as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat

The Mediterranean diet is a veteran of the diet scene and not quite as trendy or weight-loss-focused as some of its siblings. But it's a perennial favorite of doctors and dietitians, buoyed by studies that suggest it can lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

—Gisela Telis

Examples of Mediterranean diet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use mostly extra-virgin olive oil Incorporating olive oil as a primary source of fat is the No. 1 thing that distinguishes the Mediterranean diet from other eating patterns, according to Karadsheh. —Karla Walsh, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024

These include ingredients in the Mediterranean diet like fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), nuts, and olive oil. —Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 26 Sep. 2024

Better known as the MIND diet, this is a mash-up of the Mediterranean diet (famous for its emphasis on olive oil, fruits and vegetables, and small amounts of low-fat dairy and meat) and the DASH diet, which is designed to lower hypertension. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Other diets that may benefit heart health and lower cholesterol include the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. —Karina Tolentino, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat