IT’S NOT A DIET, IT’S A LIFESTYLE
The Mediterranean “diet” is not simply a way of eating—it’s a way of life. Rooted in the history, culture, and traditions of the Mediterranean region, it’s an expression of centuries of cultural exchange and shared customs. This way of life is shaped by family, friends, nature, and, of course, food—elements that are deeply intertwined in the Mediterranean ethos.
In the Mediterranean, where the sun shines almost every day and the landscapes are breathtaking, there’s an undeniable joie de vivre—a joy of living that permeates everything. People here understand that a life rooted in enjoyment, connection, and balance leads to greater happiness, lower stress, and a more fulfilling existence.
When we hear the word “diet,” most of us tend to think of a restricted way of eating designed to lose weight or control calories. The modern interpretation of “diet” is often tied to the weight-loss industry, focusing on what we eat and how much, with the goal of changing our physical appearance.
But if we look closer at the word’s origins, it tells a very different story. The word ‘diet’ comes from ancient Greek and Latin, where it did not refer to a restrictive eating plan but rather to a holistic lifestyle. This concept goes back thousands of years to the civilizations that laid the foundation for modern medicine and health practices—the Greeks and the Romans. These early philosophers and medical practitioners didn’t just focus on food; they were concerned with the whole person—the mind, body, and spirit in balance.
The Greeks, particularly, introduced the idea of “a sound mind in a sound body”—the philosophy that physical health and mental well-being should be nurtured together. Perhaps the most influential figure in this philosophy was Hippocrates, the Greek physician often referred to as the “father of medicine.” Hippocrates believed that health was the result of a balanced lifestyle, where proper nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and social interactions all played a role.
The Romans, heavily influenced by Greek ideas, further refined this understanding of health, expanding it into a broader philosophy of life. The Latin term ‘diaeta’, much like the ancient Greek word ‘diaita’, meant “way of life”—a concept that encompassed everything from diet and physical activity to social engagement and leisure. It was about how an individual lived, both in terms of their physical practices and their broader lifestyle choices. These ancient ideas formed the foundation of what we know today as the Mediterranean lifestyle.
So, when we talk about the Mediterranean Diet, we’re not just talking about what’s on the plate. We’re talking about an entire way of being—a lifestyle that has been passed down through generations. It’s a lifestyle that embraces enjoying life, celebrating food, and nurturing relationships. It’s a lifestyle that connects people to the land, to their families and communities, and to their own well-being.
In this sense, the Mediterranean “diet” is much more than a set of eating habits—it’s an invitation to live fully, to balance all aspects of life, and to prioritize health, happiness, and connection. By embracing the Mediterranean way, you embrace a lifestyle that is both timeless and vital—one that celebrates the joy of living every day.
Due to the climate, culture and geography there are three divisible regions:
SOUTHERN EUROPE
Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain and Portugal
EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt
NORTH AFRICA
Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco
