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

Related article How to start the Mediterranean diet — meal by meal Studies suggest this way of eating may improve bone density in older years, prevent some cancers and lower risk of heart disease. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 27 May 2025

In addition, the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet have been shown to reduce risk of dementia, Wong says. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 27 May 2025

Key factors include regular exercise, following a healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet, getting adequate sleep, engaging in social and cognitive activities. —Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

By not smoking, moving more, managing your weight, and sticking with a healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), according to experts. —Stacey Colino, Time, 22 May 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