“Although it puts limits on red meat, added sugar, refined carbs and other processed foods, what many people love about the Mediterranean diet is it emphasizes more what to eat, instead of everything you can’t.”
“At its core, the Mediterranean diet is a plant-based diet that focuses on lean meats, like poultry and fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and heart-healthy fats, especially olive oil,” said Jennifer Oikarinen, a registered dietitian with Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix. “Although it puts limits on red meat, added sugar, refined carbs and other processed foods, what many people love about the Mediterranean diet is it emphasizes more what to eat, instead of everything you can’t.”