Is The Mediterranean Diet Vegan?

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The diet that goes hand-in-hand with life in Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece has long been linked to better health, quality and length of life, especially when looking at heart health. Whilst the climate and pace of life might be factors,  it was the fresh and vibrant food that attracted the World’s attention in the 1960s.   

To put it simply, the Mediterranean diet is high in fresh, good quality produce, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, fragrant herbs, aromatic spices, some fish and seafood and plenty of extra virgin olive oil!

The lifestyle-diet is generally free of added sugars, refined grains and oils, trans fats and processed foods – all of which are more easily avoidable if you exclusively eat fresh foods.  

Is a Mediterranean diet vegan?

Whilst the foundations of a Mediterranean diet are based around high volumes of great, fresh plant-based produce, seafood and fish are also regularly eaten along with occasional meat, poultry and eggs. So, whilst the Mediterranean diet might not be 100% vegan, it’s rich enough in great plant-based food to be satisfying and nourishing for vegans. 

Send more plant-based questions our way!