Did you know that May is International Mediterranean Diet Month?
The Mediterranean Diet has maintained its position as the top diet by US News and World Report for seven consecutive years, and for good reason! This diet is associated with improvements in digestion, heart health, and even brain function.
In my last post, I covered the nutritional benefits of dieting. If you’re ready to start following a Mediterranean Diet, I’ve got you covered with a one-day meal plan below!
1 Day Mediterranean Diet Plan Overview:
Breakfast: Overnight oats with fiber-rich blueberries
Snack: Crispy Roasted Chickpeas or Edamame Beans
Lunch: Sandwich with open trout
Dinner: Anti-inflammatory lentil soup
Dessert: Avocado chocolate mousse
Recipes:
Breakfast – Overnight oats with blueberries with fiber
With a balance of fiber-rich oats, antioxidant-packed berries, and protein from Greek yogurt, this heart-healthy breakfast is a perfect way to start your day.
Ingredients for one serving:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk (low-fat dairy or plant-based)
1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess + protein)
1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings: more fruit, coconut slices, drizzle honey
Directions:
1. In a jar or small, sealable container, combine all ingredients. Agitation.
2. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (overnight is best)
3. After oats set, add desired toppings and enjoy!
Snack – crispy roasted chickpeas or edamame beans
With 10-14g of protein and 5-6g of fiber per serving, these plant-based snacks are sure to keep you going between meals. They are also great for satisfying any salt craving!
Brands I love: The Only Bean, She came
Lunch – Sandwich with open trout
This sandwich is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3s from canned fish. It’s also easy to put together in less than 10 minutes, making it perfect for a lunch!
Ingredients for 1 sandwich:
1 serving of canned trout (Detector Brand)
2 slices whole wheat or Ezekiel bread (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon Kite Hill dairy-free cream cheese
½ avocado
Toppings: microgreens, capers, dill, grated pepper, sliced tomato, cucumbers
Directions:
1. Toast bread
2. Spread the cream cheese and avocado on the toast
3. Add canned trout and other desired toppings
5. Enjoy!
Dinner – Anti-inflammatory lentil soup
This comforting anti-inflammatory lentil soup is rich in protein-packed lentils, vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection in a protein-packed bone broth base.
Ingredients for 4 servings:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup dry lentils
4 cups Kettle & Fire Bone Broth + 2 cups water
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon of oregano
1 teaspoon grated red pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt and pepper
1 cup shredded cabbage
Directions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the carrot, celery, garlic and turmeric with olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil
4. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the cabbage
5. Let them simmer for 40 minutes
6. Add the cabbage and cook for another 3 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted
7. Serve with 1 slice of fiber-rich bread or let cool, cover and refrigerate
Dessert – Avocado Chocolate Mousse
This healthy dessert is filled with a blend of ripe avocado, rich cocoa powder and sweet agave, finished with a sprinkle of pistachios for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients for 2 servings:
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 very ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup agave
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
Crushed peanuts for topping
Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave
Place the melted chocolate, avocado, agave, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours
Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve.
With proven health benefits and delicious recipes, the Mediterranean Diet offers a sustainable way to improve your overall well-being.
Comment below which recipe you will try first!