After an evaluation of 41 of the most popular eating plans, US News and World Report ranked the Mediterranean diet as No. 1—not only for the best overall diet of 2019 but in several subcategories including “best diet for healthy eating”, “best plant-based diet”, “best diet for diabetes” and “easiest diet to follow.”
I have always been a huge supporter of the Mediterranean diet and encourage anyone looking to better their health to adopt this lifestyle.
The Mediterranean diet is a set of guidelines shaped and inspired by the traditional eating patterns of regions surrounding the Mediterranean, including Southern Italy and Crete. It is important to recognize that there is no official “Mediterranean diet plan” like there is for programs like the Atkins or South Beach diet. Rather, it encourages the consumption of lean proteins in small portions, fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats (specifically those high in monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated omega-3 rich fatty acids). The most commonly used visual guide is the Oldways Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.
Major components of the Mediterranean diet include:
- Making plant-based foods (legumes, vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts) the foundation of every meal.
- Cooking with healthy fats such as olive oil.
- Limiting red meat.
- Eating fish/seafood twice a week.
- Eating no more than three servings a day of dairy products.
- Using spices and herbs rather than heavily salting your food to increase flavor.
- Drinking a limited amount of wine (see precautions later).
- Embracing physical activities (such as walking instead of driving when possible) and social activities (such as enjoying meals with others).
Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
In the last 20 years, more literature is being published exploring and confirming the positive impact it has on treating and decreasing the symptoms of several, mental and physical, health conditions.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the Mediterranean diet to other diets in its ability to manage type 2 diabetes found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with better glycemic (blood sugar) control and a decrease in cardiovascular (heart disease) risk factors.
Weight Loss
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that adults engaged in the Mediterranean diet who restricted their calorie intake, increased their physical activity and utilized the diet more than 6 months experienced a significant reduction in weight and body mass index. Appropriately engaging in the diet did not result in any weight gain.
Cognitive Function and Dementia
A systematic review of 12 studies found that participants who strictly followed the Mediterranean diet had better cognitive function, lower rates of declining cognitive functioning, and a reduced rate of Alzheimer’s disease. There was a relationship between the level that the participants followed the diet and the impacts it had on cognitive function.
Depression and Type 2 Diabetes
Patients with diabetes and depression who participated in a Mediterranean diet with an increased intake of nuts experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms in comparison to those who were assigned to participate in a low-fat diet.
Osteoarthritis and Quality of Life
A study looking at the diets of 4,470 adults found that higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with increased quality of life and decreased pain levels, disability, and depressive symptoms.
Getting Started
Adjusting to New Foods
When beginning a new diet, you may experience some discomfort since you will be adjusting to new foods and decreasing your intake of others. It is possible to experience light-headedness, bloating, gas and an upset stomach. Please make sure you alert your care provider of any prolonged discomfort you are experiencing related to dietary changes.
Additionally, the Mediterranean diet does allow for the consumption of a moderate amount of wine. That amount is one drink for women and two for men per day. But such an allowance would not apply to anyone with a condition that may be exacerbated or worsened by consuming alcohol, which would include people with liver disease, pregnant women and anyone with a history of alcoholism.
Healthy individuals can start a Mediterranean diet on their own. Several good guides are available for doing this including:
Seeking Out a Nutritionist
If you are interested in beginning the Mediterranean diet, you may want to seek the help of a nutritional counselor. Nutritional counselors tend to be either registered dietitians or certified nutritionists.
Check to see if the nutritionist is licensed or certified to practice. The primary organization of qualified nutrition professionals is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Their website can help you find an expert with a search by ZIP Code.
Look for a registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), disciplines that typically require a four-year bachelor’s degree and 900 to 1,200 hours in a dietetic internship through an accredited program, as well as passing a dietetics registration exam and continuing professional education requirements. Some RDNs are certified in a specialized area, including pediatric nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support or diabetes education.
Get the Medical Support Your Need
Will your insurance company cover the cost of seeing a nutritional counselor? Well, most commercial and government insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for certain conditions including diabetes and obesity. Obesity screening and counseling is covered if it is received in a primary care setting. Medicare recipients in rural areas may receive MNT through telehealth.
Whether you seek out a nutritionist or try the Mediterranean diet on your own, it is always important to inform your primary care provider of any major dietary changes or weight loss or gain, as adjustments in medications or other therapies may be needed.
Learn more in the Mediterranean Diet Pocket Guide.