Are you wondering what foods are not allowed on the Mediterranean Diet? In general, the Mediterranean diet is not a restrictive way of eating, but more of a healthy lifestyle change. Most foods can be consumed on occasion, but there are definitely some foods that you may want to avoid.
So let’s jump into the foods not allowed on a Mediterranean diet.
If you are interested in what the Mediterranean diet actually is, I have a great blog post titled “What Is The Mediterranean Diet? Foods List, Evidence-Based Research“
The Mediterranean diet is not a restrictive diet like you may be used to when thinking about the word ‘diet’. That is part of its intrigue! There are not a lot of do’s and dont’s. For the most part, nothing is off-limits.
However, there is one type of food that you will want to avoid.
What Foods Are Not Allowed On The Mediterranean Diet
The one type of food that you will want to avoid on the Mediterranean diet is processed food. In the Mediterranean, and in many other parts of the world, processed foods are not as readily available as they are in the United States.
Instead of purchasing a bag of potato chips, people make their own crispy potato wedges at home. Instead of purchasing boxed breakfast cereals, people make their breakfasts from whole foods like oats and eggs.
Choosing whole foods as often as possible is the best way to stay within the Mediterranean Diet guidelines.
Can You Drink Alcohol On The Mediterranean Diet?
If you are going to drink alcohol, it is common in Mediterranean countries to indulge in a glass or two of red wine.
So my number one recommendation when choosing to drink wine on the Mediterranean diet is to choose organic wines. These wines are made with grapes that have more antioxidants and less exposure to toxic pesticides.
Can You Eat Red Meat On The Mediterranean Diet?
It is a common misconception that you are not supposed to eat any red meat on the Mediterranean diet. Red meat is absolutely allowed, but it is recommended to only be consumed on occasion.
It should always be accompanied by lots of fruits and vegetables and should be more of a side dish, rather than the star of the show. Try to limit it to no more than one serving a week, and try to choose lean red meats like venison or round roast steak, if possible.
Meat like lamb and steak are enjoyed during holidays and special events, so feel free to indulge every once and a while!
can You Eat Desserts On The Mediterranean Diet?
You can absolutely enjoy desserts every once and a while! Sweets can definitely be enjoyed, just as long as they are enjoyed in moderation.
There are a lot of really interesting ways to enjoy desserts that are made with healthy ingredients! So if you have a sweet tooth, try one of these delicious healthy desserts made with beans!
Vegan Chickpea Blondies
What if I told you that you can make a DELICIOUS chocolaty, soft and chewy dessert made almost entirely of chickpeas and peanut butter?! Ohh, and they’re flourless and gluten-free. You might tell me I’m nuts! But these vegan chickpea blondie bars are out of this world delicious, and you would never know they’re made out …
Black Bean Brownies
Okay…I know what you are thinking. Black beans have NO PLACE in the world of decadent and sinful desserts. But I promise you, these black bean brownies taste so much like regular brownies that my friends and family could barely tell the difference. If anything, they are MORE chocolaty and MORE fudgy than regular boxed …
I hope that you have a better understanding of what foods are not allowed on the Mediterranean diet. As mentioned, almost everything can be enjoyed in moderation, but you will want to stay away from processed foods as much as possible.
If you are interested in how to start the Mediterranean diet today, I have a great blog post here!
Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe