Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (such as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat

The Mediterranean diet is a veteran of the diet scene and not quite as trendy or weight-loss-focused as some of its siblings. But it's a perennial favorite of doctors and dietitians, buoyed by studies that suggest it can lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

—Gisela Telis

Examples of Mediterranean diet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Compared to the average omnivorous diet with high amounts of red meat, the Mediterranean diet reduces rates of type II diabetes by 16% and cancer by 7%, as well as dying from coronary heart disease by 26%. —Marianne Krasny, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The Mediterranean diet, rich in these brain-supporting foods, significantly reduces inflammation markers associated with depression. —Drew Ramsey, Contributor, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2025

Eating nutritious meals: Dr. Skylar-Scott recommends the Mediterranean diet. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 24 Mar. 2025

But there are slight differences: For instance, the Mediterranean diet emphasizes healthy fats such as olive oil, fish and nuts, while the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet prioritizes low-sodium foods. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Mediterranean diet

• disquiet
• panchayat
• unquiet
• guyot
• piet
• quiet
• riot

Medical Definition

Mediterranean diet

noun

: a diet typical of many Mediterranean countries (as Italy and Spain) that consists mainly of cereals, grains, vegetables, beans, fruits, and nuts along with moderate amounts of fish, cheese, olive oil, and wine and little red meat