30-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Weight Loss

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30-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Weight Loss

The Mediterranean diet is linked to many health benefits, such as improved heart and brain health, better blood sugar levels and a healthier and more diverse gut microbiome. If weight loss is your goal, following this nutritious way of eating can help. Research indicates that people following the Mediterranean diet experience more weight loss than those following a low-fat eating plan. If weight loss is your goal or you’re simply looking to reap the health benefits of this popular eating style, this meal plan can help. 

Table of Contents

Why This Meal Plan Is Great for You

The Mediterranean diet focuses on a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats from foods like fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocado. Though the Mediterranean is a specific region, this plant-forward way of eating is adaptable to many different cuisines and taste preferences. 

Each day provides an average of 81 grams of protein and 33 grams of fiber. This filling combo helps improve satiety and provide staying-power in-between meals. Fiber is an important nutrient with many health benefits, including supporting weight loss if that is your goal. Yet, just 7% of adults in the United States hit the daily fiber intake recommendations. Foods containing fiber include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and legumes. 

To promote weight loss, we set this plan at 1,500 calories per day. This is a lower calorie level where many people can experience weight loss. For those with other calorie needs or those not wishing to lose weight, we also included modifications for 1,800 and 2,000 calories per day. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being

Week 1

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco


How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make High-Protein Peanut Butter, Banana & Blueberry Overnight Oats to have for breakfast on days 2 through 4. 
  2. Prepare Lemon-Blueberry Granola to have with breakfast throughout the month. 
  3. Make Chicken Fajita Soup to have for lunch on days 2 through 5. 

Day 1

Breakfast (313 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

Lunch (390 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

Dinner (600 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,497 calories, 61g fat, 96g protein, 144g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,438mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios as an evening snack.

Day 2

Breakfast (419 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds

Lunch (407 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

Dinner (432 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,523 calories, 65g fat, 90g protein, 160g carbohydrate, 36g fiber, 1,388mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 small banana to A.M. snack and 1 cup edamame in pods to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 small banana to A.M. snack, 1 cup edamame in pods to P.M. snack and add 1 cup low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt with ½ cup blueberries as an evening snack.

Day 3

Breakfast (419 calories)

A.M. Snack (152 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (407 calories)

P.M. Snack (105 calories)

Dinner (412 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,494 calories, 47g fat, 72g protein, 210g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,168mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M snack and 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M snack, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 4

Breakfast (419 calories)

A.M. Snack (152 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (407 calories)

P.M. Snack (105 calories)

Dinner (415 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,497 calories, 50g fat, 84g protein, 194g carbohydrate, 36g fiber, 1,476mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M snack and 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M snack, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 5

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

Lunch (407 calories)

P.M. Snack (176 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios

Dinner (403 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,481 calories, 55g fat, 89g protein, 173g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,062mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and 1 cup edamame, in pods as an evening snack.

Day 6

Breakfast (313 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

Lunch (390 calories)

P.M. Snack (238 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (426 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,499 calories, 61g fat, 105g protein, 141g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,473mg sodium. 

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and 1 cup edamame, in pods as an evening snack.

Day 7

Breakfast (313 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

Lunch (390 calories)

P.M. Snack (238 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (447 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,520 calories, 67g fat, 94g protein, 145g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,272mg sodium. 

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and 1 cup edamame, in pods as an evening snack.

Week 2

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Prepare Triple-Berry Blended Oats to have for breakfast on days 9 through 12. 
  2. Make Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce to have for lunch on days 9 through 12. 

Day 8

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (156 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain kefir
  • ¾ cup blackberries

Dinner (409 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,519 calories, 72g fat, 85g protein, 146g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,240mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to breakfast, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios as an evening snack.

Day 9

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (152 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (479 calories)

P.M. Snack (78 calories)

Dinner (434 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Harira (Moroccan Tomato, Lentil & Beef Soup) and Shaved Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette & Parmesan to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,524 calories, 65g fat, 74g protein, 170g carbohydrate, 35g fiber, 1,699mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Fruit as an evening snack.

Day 10

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (152 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (479 calories)

P.M. Snack (78 calories)

Dinner (434 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,524 calories, 65g fat, 74g protein, 170g carbohydrate, 35g fiber, 1,699mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Fruit as an evening snack.

Day 11

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (152 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (479 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

  • ⅓ cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • ⅓ cup sliced cucumber

Dinner (437 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,508 calories, 69g fat, 65g protein, 161g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,686mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 12

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (168 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach

Lunch (479 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

  • ⅓ cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • ⅓ cup sliced cucumber

Dinner (404 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,492 calories, 58g fat, 79g protein, 168g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,662mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast, ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 13

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (100 calories)

Dinner (406 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,496 calories, 65g fat, 82g protein, 159g carbohydrate, 36g fiber, 1,351mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and increase to 1 cup edamame in pods at P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack, increase to 1 cup edamame in pods at P.M. snack. and 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 14

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

Dinner (453 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,504 calories, 74g fat, 77g protein, 146g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,265mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack and add ½ cup edamame, in pods, at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to A.M. snack, add ½ cup edamame, in pods, at P.M. snack and 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Week 3

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Lemony Chicken Soup to have for lunch on days 16 through 19. 
  2. Prepare Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to have as a snack throughout the week.

Day 15

Breakfast (326 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

Lunch (381 calories)

P.M. Snack (234 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios
  • 1 medium peach

Dinner (464 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,500 calories, 62g fat, 83g protein, 170g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,486mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 cup low-fat plain kefir to breakfast, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack and 1 cup edamame in pods as an evening snack.

Day 16

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (186 calories)

Lunch (356 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

Dinner (441 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,478 calories, 60g fat, 76g protein, 173g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,384mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 medium banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack and add 1 medium banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 17

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (186 calories)

Lunch (356 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

Dinner (397 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole to have for dinner tomorrow night.

Daily Totals: 1,504 calories, 48g fat, 94g protein, 186g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,593mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 medium banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack and add 1 medium banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 18

Breakfast (388 calories)

A.M. Snack (186 calories)

Lunch (356 calories)

P.M. Snack (176 calories)

  • ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios

Dinner (397 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,503 calories, 65g fat, 90g protein, 152g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,850mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast and add 1 medium banana with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 19

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (186 calories)

Lunch (356 calories)

P.M. Snack (116 calories)

  • ½ cup edamame, in pods
  • ¼ cup raspberries

Dinner (433 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,525 calories, 49g fat, 105g protein, 176g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,575mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Increase to 1 cup edamame, in pods, at P.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios as an evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to the apple at lunch and increase to 1 cup edamame, in pods, at P.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios as an evening snack.

Day 20

Breakfast (388 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (381 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

Dinner (437 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,484 calories, 50g fat, 85g protein, 183g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,670mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack.

Day 21

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

Lunch (381 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

Dinner (529 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,500 calories, 54g fat, 98g protein, 165g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,158mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts at breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts at breakfast, add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack.

Week 4

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless


How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make 3-Ingredient Overnight Berry Muesli to have for breakfast on days 23 through 26.
  2. Prepare Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Lettuce Wraps with Tahini Dressing to have for lunch on days 23 through 26. 

Day 22

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (186 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (32 calories)

Dinner (439 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,516 calories, 71g fat, 70g protein, 161g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,678mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 medium banana to lunch and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium banana to lunch, add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and add 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 23

Breakfast (393 calories)

A.M. Snack (187 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ¼ cup blueberries

Lunch (498 calories)

P.M. Snack (30 calories)

Dinner (415 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,523 calories, 78g fat, 63g protein, 149g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,284mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and add 1 banana as an evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted shelled pistachios to P.M. snack and add 1 banana with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter  as an evening snack.

Day 24

Breakfast (393 calories)

A.M. Snack (100 calories)

Lunch (498 calories)

P.M. Snack (35 calories)

Dinner (485 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,511 calories, 83g fat, 70g protein, 127g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,370mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Increase to 1 cup edamame, in pods at A.M. snack and add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 1 cup edamame, in pods at A.M. snack, add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 25

Breakfast (393 calories)

A.M. Snack (187 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ¼ cup blueberries

Lunch (498 calories)

P.M. Snack (31 calories)

Dinner (415 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,524 calories, 72g fat, 67g protein, 160g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,165mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack and add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack, add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack.and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 26

Breakfast (393 calories)

A.M. Snack (110 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container low-fat plain strained Greek-style yogurt

Lunch (498 calories)

P.M. Snack (21 calories)

Dinner (496 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve two servings One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo with Lemon & Feta to have for lunch on days 27 & 28.

Daily Totals: 1,518 calories, 76g fat, 61g protein, 154g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,174mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack and add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts to A.M. snack, add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 27

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (31 calories)

Lunch (496 calories)

P.M. Snack (32 calories)

Dinner (511 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,503 calories, 68g fat, 79g protein, 153g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,368mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack and add 1 medium apple as an evening snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Cranberry-Orange Energy Balls to P.M. snack and add 1 medium apple with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 28

Breakfast (434 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

Lunch (496 calories)

P.M. Snack (105 calories)

Dinner (378 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,507 calories, 56g fat, 78g protein, 185g carbohydrate, 31g fiber, 1,319mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts at breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts at breakfast, 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack and add ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack.

Week 5

Day 29

Breakfast (388 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

Dinner (398 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,488 calories, 70g fat, 74g protein, 151g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,787mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack.

Day 30

Breakfast (388 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (424 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

Dinner (421 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,511 calories, 72g fat, 69g protein, 158g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,654mg sodium.

Make it 1,800 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Pineapple Green Smoothie to breakfast and ¼ cup dry-roasted unsalted almonds to P.M. snack.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • ​​Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?

    Yes, we included a wide array of meals in this 30-day plan. If there’s a meal you don’t like, feel free to choose a different option from this plan or check out some of our best Mediterranean diet recipes for a substitute. If you’re closely following this plan for weight loss, you may want to select a substitute with a similar calorie and nutrition profile or adjust a snack, if needed.


  • Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?

    If it’s easier to eat the same breakfast or lunch every day, that works! Each option is generally within 100 calories of each other, so a swap should work for most people.


  • Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?

    We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.


  • What is the Mediterranean diet?

    The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that emphasizes a high intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish and healthy fats. You don’t necessarily have to eat Mediterranean-style cuisine to reap the benefits or follow this healthy eating plan. This way of eating is adaptable to a wide variety of cuisines and taste preferences.

Mediterranean Diet Foods to Focus On:

  • Fish and shellfish
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Dairy
  • Lean meats
  • Eggs
  • Herbs and spices

Exercise and Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, taking a look at your overall habits, including physical activity, can help. It’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise. This could look like a 30-minute brisk walk, 5 days a week or around 22 minutes of moderate activity every day. Ultimately, the best exercise is the one you enjoy, though research indicates there are some exercises more likely to facilitate weight loss than others, including: jogging, power walking, yoga, dancing and hiking. If you’re looking to get started, check out our 7-Day Walking Plan to Lose Weight.

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell’s meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

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