The Mediterranean Diet conjures up romantic images of sun-drenched shores and great tasting food. The dietary pattern represented by the Mediterranean diet pyramid is closely tied to areas of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean region. Emphasis on a variety of minimally processed, seasonally fresh and locally grown foods. Olive oil as the principal fat replacing fats and oils such as butter and margarine. Total fat ranging from less than 25 percent to over 35 percent of calories, with saturated fat accounting for no more than eight percent of calories.
Fresh fruit is the typical dessert.
High sugar sweets including honey and saturated fat are consumed only a few times per week. Consumption of red meat limited to a few times per month.