The traditional Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on fresh produce, healthy fats, and whole grains, offers a bounty of health benefits. But what if you’re looking for a way to further optimize this dietary pattern for weight loss or blood sugar control? That’s where you need to opt for the low carb Mediterranean diet, a delicious and effective approach that combines the best of both worlds.
This plan focuses on keeping your carbohydrate intake moderate while prioritizing the core principles of the Mediterranean diet: vegetables, fruits, fish, healthy fats, and lean protein.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the heart-healthy perks of the Mediterranean diet alongside the potential weight management benefits of a low-carb approach.
Fueling Your Body with Low-Carb Mediterranean Choices
Now, let’s stock your pantry with the good stuff! Here’s a list of recommended foods to incorporate into your low carb Mediterranean diet:
Proteins:
- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
- Chicken and turkey breast
- Eggs
- Lean cuts of beef and lamb (minimally)
- Shellfish (shrimp, mussels)
Healthy Fats:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds)
- Full-fat Greek yogurt
Vegetables:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
Fruits (limited portions):
- Berries
- Melon
- Citrus fruits
Other:
- Herbs and spices
- Olives
- Garlic
A Week of Delicious Low Carb Mediterranean Meals
Here’s a 7-day low carb Mediterranean meal plan to get you started. Remember, this is just a sample, and you can adjust it based on your preferences and calorie needs.
Monday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | 2 scrambled eggs with 1/2 cup spinach, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 avocado | 350 | 10g | 20g | 20g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | 1/4 cup almonds & 1 cup sliced cucumber with 1 tbsp hummus | 200 | 5g | 6g | 15g |
Lunch | Grilled chicken breast (4 oz), 1 cup roasted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli), 1 tbsp olive oil dressing | 400 | 15g | 30g | 25g |
Snack (Afternoon) | 1 cup sliced bell peppers with 2 tbsp guacamole | 150 | 5g | 2g | 10g |
Dinner | Baked salmon (6 oz) with lemon and herbs, 1 cup steamed broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil | 500 | 20g | 40g | 30g |
Tuesday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup berries, 1 tbsp chia seeds | 300 | 5g | 25g | 15g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | Celery sticks with 2 tbsp cream cheese & a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning | 150 | 5g | 2g | 12g |
Lunch | Tuna salad (2 oz canned tuna in water, mixed with 1 tbsp mayonnaise, chopped celery, onion) with 2 cups mixed greens, 1 tbsp olive oil dressing | 450 | 10g | 35g | 20g |
Snack (Afternoon) | Handful of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts) | 150 | 5g | 6g | 13g |
Dinner | Shrimp scampi (4 oz shrimp) with 1 cup zucchini noodles, side salad with balsamic vinaigrette | 550 | 25g | 45g | 35g |
Wednesday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | 3-egg omelette with 1/2 cup sauteed mushrooms and onions, 1/4 cup shredded cheese | 400 | 15g | 30g | 25g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | 1 cup sliced apple with 1 tbsp almond butter | 200 | 15g | 4g | 13g |
Lunch | Leftover shrimp scampi | 400 | 10g | 25g | 20g |
Snack (Afternoon) | 1/4 cup cottage cheese with 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes | 100 | 5g | 14g | 3g |
Dinner | Baked chicken thighs (4 oz) with 1 cup roasted asparagus and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes | 500 | 20g | 40g | 30g |
Thursday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | Smoothie made with 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 cup spinach, 1/2 scoop protein powder, 1/4 cup berries | 300 | 10g | 25g | 10g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | Handful of baby carrots with 2 tbsp hummus | 150 | 10g | 2g | 8g |
Lunch | Turkey burger (4 oz) on a bed of lettuce with 1/2 avocado and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar | 450 | 15g | 40g | 25g |
Snack (Afternoon) | 1 cup sliced cucumber with 2 tbsp Greek yogurt dip | 100 | 5g | 6g | 3g |
Dinner | Swordfish steaks (6 oz) with grilled eggplant and a side salad | 500 | 15g | 50g | 25g |
Friday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | 2 hard-boiled eggs with 1 cup chopped tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese | 300 | 10g | 20g | 20g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | 1/4 cup whole-wheat crackers with 1 oz sliced cheese | 200 | 15g | 8g | 10g |
Lunch | Chickpea salad sandwich (1 cup chickpeas mashed with chopped celery, onion, and 1 tbsp mayonnaise) on lettuce wraps | 400 | 20g | 20g | 15g |
Snack (Afternoon) | 1 cup sliced bell peppers with 2 tbsp guacamole | 150 | 5g | 2g | 10g |
Dinner | Salmon burgers (4 oz) made with mashed cauliflower and spices, served with roasted Brussels sprouts | 550 | 15g | 40g | 35g |
Saturday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | Frittata made with 3 eggs, 1/2 cup chopped spinach, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese | 350 | 10g | 25g | 20g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | 1 cup berries with 1/4 cup sliced almonds | 200 | 15g | 6g | 13g |
Lunch | Leftover salmon burgers with roasted Brussels sprouts | 450 | 15g | 40g | 25g |
Snack (Afternoon) | Celery sticks with 2 tbsp cream cheese & a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning | 150 | 5g | 2g | 12g |
Dinner | Vegetarian chili made with ground turkey, kidney beans, tomatoes, peppers, and spices (1 cup serving) with a side salad | 500 | 25g | 30g | 20g |
Sunday
Meal | Foods | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
Breakfast | Whole-wheat pancakes (2 small pancakes made with 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour, 1 egg, and a splash of milk) with 1/4 cup berries and 1 tbsp whipped cream | 350 | 20g | 15g | 15g |
Snack (Mid-Morning) | Greek yogurt parfait with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup berries, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts | 200 | 10g | 15g | 8g |
Lunch | Grilled chicken Caesar salad (4 oz grilled chicken breast, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing) | 450 | 15g | 40g | 20g |
Snack (Afternoon) | Sliced apple with 1 tbsp almond butter | 200 | 15g | 4g | 13g |
Dinner | Baked cod (6 oz) with roasted asparagus and lemon wedges | 400 | 10g | 50g | 15g |
Conclusion
This sample 7-day meal plan offers a glimpse into the delicious possibilities of the low carb Mediterranean Diet. By prioritizing healthy fats, lean protein, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits, this approach can be a powerful tool for weight management and overall well-being.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust portion sizes and explore new recipes to find what works best for you. It’s also important to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They can help you personalize a low carb Mediterranean Diet meal plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
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