My 14-Day Journey on the Mediterranean Diet
Embarking on a new dietary journey can be both exciting and daunting. For the next 14 days, I decided to try the Mediterranean Diet, known for its health benefits and lifestyle approach rather than strict restrictions. This diet emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and social eating, and it has garnered attention from various celebrities who have praised its positive impacts on health. My goal was to undo some of the less healthy habits I had developed during the pandemic and to commit to a healthier lifestyle.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean Diet is based on the traditional eating habits of countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece and Italy. It focuses on a plant-based approach, encouraging the consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats (like olive oil), nuts, and legumes. Animal proteins, particularly fish and seafood, are included in smaller portions. This diet is not just about food; it promotes a lifestyle that includes sharing meals with others and engaging in enjoyable physical activities.
Processed foods, refined grains, and added sugars are to be avoided, which I anticipated would be a challenge for me. However, the diet allows for moderation, including a nightly glass of red wine, which I was quite looking forward to.
Day 1: Getting Started
Day one kicked off a bit rocky. I planned to meal prep the night before, but after sitting in traffic for 10 hours, I was exhausted and unprepared. I rummaged through my pantry and found some muesli, which I cooked with water, adding a nearly expired banana, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon. It wasn't gourmet, but it filled me up.
After breakfast, I headed to the grocery store, armed with a long receipt filled with fruits and veggies. I was pushing my boundaries by buying vegetables like asparagus, which I don’t typically enjoy. That evening, I made whole wheat pasta with a pesto sauce made from spinach, lemon, and almonds, adding white beans for protein. Surprisingly, it was delicious!
Sharing the meal with my partner, we both felt good about our first day on the diet. We even went for a walk afterward, embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle of being active after meals.
Day 2: Settling In
Waking up on day two, I felt good and was eager to continue. I made avocado toast for breakfast, mashing avocado with lime juice and garlic powder, topped with cherry tomatoes and capers. It was quick and satisfying.
For lunch, I had leftovers from the previous night, and for dinner, I prepared a hearty vegetable soup with kale and white beans. Cooking was becoming less of a chore, and I enjoyed the new flavors and combinations.
By the end of day two, I realized that this didn't feel like a diet at all, especially since carbs were not off the table.
Day 3: Challenges Ahead
On day three, I had to film off-site and quickly threw together some muesli for breakfast. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. Dinner, however, was a highlight. My husband and I made a sheet pan chicken with colorful peppers and potatoes. The combination of flavors was fantastic.
However, I began to miss meat after not having it for a couple of days. The sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes made up for it, but I was looking forward to a more varied diet.
Day 4: Emotional Eating
Day four was tough. My cat was sick, and after a visit to the vet, he passed away. I found myself emotionally drained, and while I wanted to comfort myself with food, I was grateful for the healthy leftovers I had prepared earlier in the week. I ordered pho for dinner, which strayed from the diet, but I needed the comfort.
By day eight, I wanted to get back on track. I made avocado toast with an egg for breakfast and prepared one of my favorite dishes, whitefish piccata, for dinner. Cooking helped me regain my focus and commitment to the diet.
Despite the emotional turmoil, I found solace in preparing healthy meals and sticking to my dietary goals.
Days 9 to 11: Finding Balance
As I progressed into week two, I felt more comfortable with the diet. Day nine featured a fresh tomato salad for lunch, and I enjoyed cooking gnocchi with peas and asparagus for dinner, which was filling and delicious.
Day ten posed a challenge as I had to film at work. I didn’t have much time to prepare a healthy meal and ended up ordering spicy tuna with regular rice instead of brown rice. I felt guilty but reminded myself that this journey was about balance.
Returning home, my husband made me a spicy crusted salmon, which was surprisingly enjoyable despite my usual dislike for fish. Sharing these meals together strengthened our bond and made the dining experience more fulfilling.
Day eleven had me craving dessert, so I made yogurt bark with berries, which was refreshing and satisfying.
That night, I decided to make pizza with whole wheat crust, topping it with tomatoes and fennel. It was a fun experience to cook together, and my husband approved of the dish.
Days 12 to 14: Reflecting on the Journey
On day twelve, I felt energized and happy. I realized that this diet was becoming a natural part of my routine. I had pizza leftovers for lunch and enjoyed my meals without feeling deprived.
Day thirteen was my mom's birthday, and I indulged in cocktails and a variety of foods at her party, including Mexican dishes and desserts. I didn’t feel guilty about stepping away from the diet for a special occasion.
On the final day, I felt lethargic after the rich food from the celebration. As I wrapped up my two-week commitment, I reflected on the changes I had experienced. I lost four pounds during this journey, but more importantly, I noticed significant improvements in my mental health and energy levels.
This experience taught me that meal planning and preparation can simplify life and lead to healthier choices. The Mediterranean Diet is customizable, allowing me to enjoy food without guilt.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Lifestyle
If you're considering a dietary change, I highly recommend giving the Mediterranean Diet a try. It's not just about food; it's about a lifestyle that promotes health, happiness, and connection. I felt more energized, mentally clear, and healthier overall, which makes this journey worthwhile.
Thanks for joining me on my 14-day Mediterranean Diet adventure!