Go Mediterranean

Revamp your diet to give it more of a Mediterranean twist, and you’ll reap the rewards when it comes to your health. Best of all, the cuisine is full of flavour, so you won’t be lacking in the taste department!

The Mediterranean diet is often touted as one of the healthiest in the world. It’s been shown to be healthy for your heart, help you lose weight and reduce the risk of some cancers. It’s largely based on loads of fruits and vegetables, olive oil, fish and healthy fats. Here are some meal ideas to inspire you.

Olive oil

Who needs butter for your bread when you can opt for a delicious olive oil to dip your bread into instead? Such is the way in the Mediterreanean and we could easily give up butter if this is the healthy alternative. Other great ways to use olive oil? As a salad dressing and also in your baking — try one of these olive oil dessert recipes (the EVOO helps to keep your baking nice and moist).

Fish

The diet is low on red meat, with fish composing much of the protein. If you tend to stick to salmon, why not mix it up a bit and try one of these five trout recipes? Better yet, try this wine-steamed trout in foil (see below for more about wine and this diet).

Nuts

The healthy fats that make up a big part of the Mediterranean diet? Much of them come from eating nuts. Add a satisfying crunch to your salads or use nuts to create a flavourful crust on some fish dishes, such as this pecan-crusted tilapia or walnut-crusted salmon.

Herbs

The Mediterranean diet tends to focus on using fresh herbs and spices to bring foods an abundance of flavour. This parsley- and mint-filled tabbouleh is a great side dish that plays up herbs. Plus, it features millet and loads of veggies — both whole grains and veggies also playing a big role in the diet.

Wine

Your eyes are not deceiving you — wine is indeed part of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Enjoy a glass of red vino with your dinner, or use it in your cooking. This red wine vegetable stock recipe is perfect for adding flavour to vegetarian dishes. Or, try a dish such as this red-wine risotto with clams for a romantic dinner for two.

More health eating tips

The healthiest cooking oils: Good-for-you fats
Best nuts for your health
Wheat berry Greek salad