Mediterranean Diet Grocery List

Stock your kitchen with food that supports one of the world’s healthiest diets: Mediterranean. This diet features fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and seafood along with healthy fats like olive oil for optimal nutrition.

This diet highlights fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids as a means to combat inflammation and oxidative stress.

Whole Grains

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole grain foods that have been minimally processed, including barley, buckwheat, bulgur, freekeh, farro, farro millet quinoa spelt rye and brown rice. Unlike refined grains which may lose much of their valuable fiber minerals and vitamins in processing these “whole” foods retain bran and germ, thus offering more nutritional value.

As part of your Mediterranean diet, including whole grains as staples is one way to start off strong. To be sure you’re reaping their healthful benefits, look for labels with “whole grain” as the primary ingredient; other helpful hints include soaking, sprouting and roasting to maximize nutrients and flavor – plus opting for whole wheat pastas and breads that have low sodium and saturated fat contents!

Legumes

Beans, lentils, and peas add protein, fiber, healthy fats, flavor, and variety to a Mediterranean diet. Legumes can be used to create dips and spreads as well as added to salads and other dishes for more variety and taste.

Legumes are an excellent source of protein that should be included in our diet on a regular basis to satisfy our hunger. In addition to this benefit, they’re an abundant source of iron, folate, and B vitamins – plus other vital elements!

Cooked legumes can add a delicious and nutritional punch to any dish, and make an ideal base for soups or stews. Frozen or canned varieties should be selected carefully; larger legumes like chickpeas may benefit from being presoaked prior to being cooked as this will ensure they taste better while cooking faster. Alternatively, defrost frozen legumes to quickly incorporate them into recipes.

Fruits

Fruits play an integral part in the Mediterranean diet. Berries, grapes and peaches are often served at mealtime while pomegranates, figs and olives also rank highly as fruit sources that offer essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

Vegetables like artichokes, fennel, leeks, mushrooms and tomatoes are staples in a Mediterranean diet. Dark leafy vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard and collard greens are particularly favored – try adding these into soups, salads or frittatas!

The Mediterranean diet is an approach to eating that may require you to add new items to your pantry. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider prior to embarking on any dietary changes as they will be able to assist with setting realistic goals and expectations as you gradually include more Mediterranean foods into your everyday routine.

Vegetables

The Mediterranean Diet boasts an abundance of hearty vegetables, from roast eggplant and kale salad to roast peppers and more, providing vital fiber, vitamins and minerals as well as being low-calorie options that may promote weight loss, according to registered dietitian nutritionist Kelly Kennedy.

Vegetables such as eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and mushrooms are essential elements of our daily diets. Leafy greens like chard, beet greens, arugula and mustard greens provide plenty of nutritional benefits, such as fiber, vitamin A and folates.

Highly processed foods, red meat and sweet desserts should only be enjoyed occasionally as part of the Mediterranean diet. Replace these indulgences with naturally sweet foods such as fruits instead, and switch butter for olive oil; soda should be replaced by water or unsweetened tea beverages.

Fish

Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are staples of the Mediterranean diet and offer essential omega-3s that may help reduce inflammation in the body and cholesterol. Plus, these fatty fish provide protein that can help stave off hunger pangs!

Tomatoes are an integral component of Mediterranean cuisine, appearing whole, diced, stewed or concentrated into sauce or paste form as staples in daily diet. Rich in lycopene which may provide protection against cancer.

Lean meat and poultry should only be eaten occasionally and red wine in moderation; vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds are the focus. Check your local store’s bulk bins to find dried beans and nuts at a cheaper cost compared to fresh versions; plus they last longer!