Try our easy ideas to incorporate these super-healthy, customizable principles into your life.

It features fish and poultrylean protein sourcesover red meat, and wine is consumed regularly but in moderate amounts.

The principles of this eating pattern can be applied to any cuisine.

Mediterranean Diet foods such as grains, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and wine

Ali Redmond

You don’t even need to overhaul your entire way of shopping and eating.

Wiping the slate entirely clean may not be necessary, nor is it sustainable.

Choose one of these strategies below, and make it a habit.

a bottle of Olive Oil beside a bowl of olives

Ali Redmond

When you’re ready, move on to the next strategy.

Use olive oil in homemade salad dressings andvinaigrettes.

Drizzle it on finished dishes like fish or chicken to boost flavor.

a photo of salmon on a plate

Ali Redmond

Every now and then, swap butter for olive oil in mashed potatoes, pasta and more.

Or try adding your favoriteherbs and spicesto olive oil as a dip for a crusty slice of whole-grain bread.

Eat More Fish

Fish is a welcome part of the Mediterranean diet.

a grouping of red, orange, and yellow peppers with kale

Ali Redmond

In particular, the diet emphasizesfatty fish like salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel.

These fish are rich in heart- andbrain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Andtinned fish is equally nutritious, plus it’s a budget-friendly and sometimes more accessible option.

two measuring cups with quinoa and oats

Ali Redmond

The2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansrecommend you aim for at least 2.5 cups of veggies per day.

Barley is full of fiber and is fillingpair it with mushrooms for asteamy, satisfying soup.

A hot bowl of oatmeal is perfect for breakfast on a cold winter morning.

a bowl of almonds

Ali Redmond

Snack on Nuts

Nuts are another Mediterranean diet staple, and they provide anarray of benefits.

Choose unsalted and unsweetened nuts more often than salted, glazed or chocolate-coated ones.

Savor Every Bite

The Mediterranean diet is as much a lifestyle as it is a diet.

a collection of fruit together

Ali Redmond

Instead, try making small tweaks, one step at a time.