7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2024)

Looking for a healthy and delicious gluten-free meal plan? Check out this FREE 7 Day Mediterranean diet meal plan!

You probably know I love the Mediterranean lifestyle and diet if you’ve followed The Spicy RD Blog for a while. This healthy anti-inflammatory diet is based on the traditional diet and eating habits of people who live in countries near the Mediterranean Sea.

In my opinion, it’s the best diet to try if you’re looking to discover the joy of eating again! A Mediterranean diet is also my first recommendation for anyone with Sjogren’s, like I have, or any autoimmune disease.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (1)

Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet

U.S. News and World Report ranked the Mediterranean diet as the best overall diet in 2022. Numerous studies have reported positive health benefits and lowered risk of chronic diseases associated with adherence to a Mediterranean diet, including:

  • Heart health
  • Reduced blood sugar levels & type 2 diabetes prevention.
  • Cancer prevention.
  • Lower cognitive decline & improved brain health (also check out the MIND diet for Alzheimer’s prevention)
  • Decreased risk of depression (read more: Good Mood Food.)
  • Weight management

You will also like The Best Gluten-Free Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Your Health, featuring a Mediterranean diet food list and 70+ Mediterranean diet-inspired recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, and desserts.

Your 7 Day Mediterranean Diet meal plan centers around high-fiber, nutrient-dense whole foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains featured in the Mediterranean region.

In addition, extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. And quality lean proteins from dairy, poultry, and fish round out your Mediterranean diet plan.

This Mediterranean Diet 7 Day Meal Plan is a well-balanced diet created with four key nutrients in mind:

Monounsaturated Fats

Good-quality fats are associated with a lower risk of heart diseaseandcancer. This plan is rich in heart-healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds and lower in saturated fat, meats, and dairy products.Olive oilis the primary source of fat in a Mediterranean diet.

It contains tocopherols, polyphenols, and a balanced linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid profile, which benefits the immune system and inflammatory responses.

Note: If you are looking for high-polyphenol olive oils, I recommend AmphoraNueva Organic Tunisian Chetoui or Spanish Hojiblanca. If you are an APOE4 carrier, you may benefit from consuming high-polyphenol olive oil.

Omega-3 Fats

An important source of protein in a Mediterranean diet is fish. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish providecardiovascular benefitsandreduce inflammation. In addition, fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) associated with improvedcognitive function.

This Mediterranean diet meal plan incorporates salmon, trout, and tuna into several meals and snacks. In addition, plant-based sources of omega-3 fats, like walnuts, are included in your meal plan.

Fiber

Adequate dietary fiber intake has several health benefits, including betterdigestive health,lower blood pressure,weight loss, andreduced inflammation. Therefore, this meal plan provides ~ 35 grams of fiber daily from plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

In addition, soluble fiber found in oats, lentils, hummus, leafy greens, and apples is incorporated into the meal plan, as these foods may improve glycemic controlandlower blood cholesterol.

Antioxidants

Essential fat-solubleantioxidantslikevitamin Aandvitamin Esupport various cellular functions of our immune system, reduce oxidative stress in cells and are helpful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This meal plan is packed with vitamin A sources like sweet potato, carrots, and salmon and incorporates vitamin E through a daily dose of healthy oils, nuts, and seeds.

These foods are paired with healthy fats to increaseabsorption. Antioxidant-rich dried and fresh herbs plus spices also star in this delicious Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan.

What’s NOT on your 7-day menu?

I don’t believe in strict rules when it comes to meal planning. However, your 7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal plan is free of red meat, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and excess sugar. Like me, if you have a sweet tooth, I’ve included one healthy treat each day. Wink, wink!

The plan is also gluten-free, but keep in mind that whole wheat and wheat derivatives like spelt, farro, and bulger, along with barley and rye, are traditional staples of the Mediterranean diet and can be enjoyed if you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet.

Regarding beverages, stay away from sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juice (limit to 8 ounces or less per day). Instead, enjoy still and sparkling water, coffee, and tea. If you consume alcohol, moderate amounts of red wine are part of the Mediterranean diet pyramid, which amounts to no more than two 5-ounce servings per day for men and one 5-ounce serving for women.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

Check out all the super-duper yummy recipes included in your Mediterranean diet menu! Click the links for all the individual recipes. Or, scroll to the bottom of the post to download your printable meal plan with all the recipes and a shopping list.

Please note that if you want a sustainable weight loss plan, this Mediterranean Diet meal plan provides ~ 1660 calories daily. If weight loss is not your goal, you may need to add snacks or meals to increase calories.

Day One

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2)
  • Breakfast: Rosemary Mushroom Lentil Avocado Toast
  • Lunch: Lemony Kale Pasta Salad; Pistachio Nuts; Orange
  • Dinner: Easy Air Fryer Falafel; Quinoa Greek Salad
  • Snack/Dessert: Baklava Butter

Day Two

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (3)
  • Breakfast: Spiced Pomegranate Lemon Lassi; Veggie Baked Eggs with Pesto
  • Lunch: Easy Lentil Salad with Kale, Cherry Tomatoes, Almonds, and Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Miso Maple Broiled Salmon; Greek Lemon Potatoes
  • Snack/Dessert: No-Bake Cocoa Lemon Energy Bites

Day Three

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (4)

Day Four

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (5)

Day Five

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (6)
  • Breakfast: Mediterranean Feta Cheese Quinoa Egg Muffins; Raspberries
  • Lunch: Carrot, Hummus, & Arugula Wrap; Grapes & Walnuts
  • Dinner: Walnut Crusted Salmon;
  • Snack/Dessert: Baklava Butter

Day Six

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (7)

Day Seven

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (8)

7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan Printable Pdf

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (9)

Are you ready to start a healthy, sustainable, and delicious way of eating? Click the button below to download your FREE 7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan and shopping list!

Yes, please! Download the meal plan!

And wait! Before you go, if you love the meal plan, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, Delicious News, so you don’t miss out on any new recipes, meal plans, and integrative nutrition articles. Sign up here!

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EA Stewart

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

EA Stewart, MBA, RD is an integrative registered dietitian specializing in wellness nutrition, digestive health, autoimmune disease, brain health, and vibrant aging. She creates easy, plant-forward gluten-free recipes for a wide variety of diets including low FODMAP, Mediterranean, and more.

7 Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan-Healthy, Delicious, & Gluten-Free (2024)

FAQs

What is the fastest way to lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

If you want to lose weight following a Mediterranean diet here are my 5 tips that work.
  1. Eat your main meal early in the day. ...
  2. Eat vegetables as a main course cooked in olive oil. ...
  3. You should drink water mostly and sometimes tea, coffee and wine (for adults) ...
  4. Consume the right amount of olive oil. ...
  5. Move.
Jan 17, 2024

Can you do the Mediterranean diet if you are gluten free? ›

For patients with celiac disease, the Med Diet can help provide important nutrients that a typical gluten-free diet may lack—without the significant risk of undesired weight gain that can lead to overweight or obesity. And the diet can easily be made gluten-free.

What is the Mediterranean diet for seniors? ›

Eat 2 or more servings of vegetables every day, with at least one serving fresh in a salad. Eat at least 2-3 daily servings of fresh fruit (“including natural juices”) Eat at least 3 servings per week of “legumes” Eat at least 3 servings of fish or seafood, including at least one serving of fatty fish.

How many pounds can you lose each week with Mediterranean diet? ›

This seven-day Mediterranean diet plan helps you practice those habits with help from good-for-you foods and delicious Mediterranean diet-inspired ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for a full week of healthy eating. At 1,200 calories you're on track to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week.

How to lose belly fat on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Choose Lean Proteins: Focus on fish and poultry over red meat. Include beans, nuts, and other plant-based proteins. Moderate Wine Intake: If you consume alcohol, switch to wine and drink in moderation. Stay Active: As the study suggests, coupling the diet with regular physical activity yields better results.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast? ›

Common Mediterranean Breakfast Foods

Yogurt: We love Greek yogurt which is higher in protein, and lower in sugar. Eggs: A great source of protein and healthy fats. Oats: A healthy whole grain used in oatmeal and baked goods. Fruit: All types of fruit are encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

Is Mediterranean diet anti-inflammatory? ›

Whereas the Mediterranean diet is an example of an anti-inflammatory diet, the Standard [North] American Diet (or SAD diet), which contains large amounts of calorically-dense processed foods, saturated fat, and added sugar, is pro-inflammatory and associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death [3-6] ...

What foods are gluten-free and anti-inflammatory? ›

Start slowly and add more anti-inflammatory foods every week. Include a variety of beans, legumes, and soy products such as organic edamame and tofu. Snack on macadamia nuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. Increase seafood and fatty fish such as salmon, halibut, and sardines.

What do you eat on the Mediterranean diet everyday? ›

Atop exercise stand the core foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, spices, nuts, and olive oil. The groups recommend eating fish and seafood twice a week and moderate amounts of dairy, eggs, and poultry. Red meat and sweets are consumed just sometimes.

What are the top 10 foods on a Mediterranean diet? ›

10 foods to add to your Mediterranean lifestyle
  • Extra virgin olive oil. ...
  • Walnuts. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Wild salmon as a healthy animal protein. ...
  • Garlic for a reduced risk of cancer. ...
  • Oregano as an anti-inflammatory agent. ...
  • Mushrooms for a mental health boost.
Feb 3, 2022

What happens to your body when you start the Mediterranean diet? ›

Research supports the use of the Mediterranean diet as a healthy eating pattern for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, increasing lifespan, and healthy aging. When used in conjunction with caloric restriction, the diet may also support healthy weight loss.

How many eggs can you eat on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Based on their high cholesterol content, the Mediterranean Diet Foundation recommends to consume up to 4 eggs per week, as a healthy alternative to fish or meat [7], and the same amount (2–4 eggs per week) was indicated in the latest Italian dietary guidelines [8].

How much water should you drink in a day on a Mediterranean diet? ›

Your individual water needs are based on your body size, age, activity level, and where you live. However, most men need around three liters of water per day while most women need somewhere around two liters per day.

How quickly can you lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

The study found that the Mediterranean diet was more flexible and less restrictive in delivering desired weight loss results. In addition, one of the studies in the review found that participants lost an average of 8.7% of body weight on the Mediterranean diet after 12 months.

How can I lose 20lbs in 2 weeks? ›

How To Lose 20 Pounds In 2 Weeks: Locking Down Your Nutrition To Finally Chase Away Those Extra Pounds
  1. Make a commitment.
  2. Cut your caloric intake.
  3. Up your protein intake.
  4. Eat more fiber.
  5. Plenty of sleep.
  6. Avoid refined carbs.
  7. Increase the intensity of your workouts.
  8. Set a nightly food cutoff time.
Jan 16, 2024

What are 3 cons of the Mediterranean diet? ›

There may be health concerns with this eating style for some people, including:
  • You may gain weight from eating fats in olive oil and nuts.
  • You may have lower levels of iron. ...
  • You may have calcium loss from eating fewer dairy products.
Jul 30, 2022

Why can't I lose weight on the Mediterranean diet? ›

Reason #1: You Are Eating Too Many Carbs

The Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of healthy, whole-grain carbs as part of a well-balanced diet. However, it is easy to overdo it, which will pack on the pounds very quickly!

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