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

Regular physical activity, nutritious eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, good sleep, and staying socially engaged remain the most reliable ways to support healthy aging. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Mar. 2026

This is because the Mediterranean diet does allow for a small amount of drinking. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 9 Mar. 2026

Foods like salmon, lentils, and Greek yogurt are rich in protein and easily fit into the Mediterranean diet pattern. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 4 Mar. 2026

Hoyland described being in the best shape of his life and eating a healthy Mediterranean diet. —Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

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