23 Easy Mediterranean Keto Diet Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you do a keto and Mediterranean diet together? ›

Combining Keto with a Mediterranean diet plan is simple. Just take the Mediterranean diet and remove the carbs. This means that whole grains, beans, and root vegetables are out—and olive oil and fish are in. You can also eat leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, eggs, poultry and (if tolerated) dairy.

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

The ketogenic diet is an ultra-low-carb, very high-fat diet that involves a drastic reduction in carbohydrate intake. The Mediterranean diet is a low-carb, moderately high-fat diet that emphasizes vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish.

The participants in the first group experienced “clinically meaningful” changes in body composition throughout the three-year experiment, according to the researchers. This included a 5% or greater improvement in fat mass, visceral (belly) fat mass and loss of lean muscle mass after only one year of following the diet.

Both groups lost similar amounts of weight and showed better blood sugar stability, but the Mediterranean diet came out a clear winner on one very important factor: its ability to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, aka "bad" cholesterol.

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

The Mediterranean diet is high in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Foods not allowed include processed red meats, heavily processed foods, refined grains, alcohol, butter, and refined/processed/hydrogenated oils.

Opt for whole grain or legume-based pasta to boost fiber and nutritional content. Pair it with vibrant vegetables, lean proteins like fish or chicken, and drizzle with heart-healthy olive oil.

Is the Mediterranean diet too high in carbs? ›

The Greek version of the Mediterranean Diet combines all these factors: moderate carbohydrate levels, plant-based, and moderate fat levels making it highly palatable. So, contrary to what you may think the Mediterranean diet is, it is not a high carbohydrate diet.

Research shows that the Mediterranean diet can improve blood sugar management and may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes ( 15 , 16 ). The keto diet has also been shown to improve blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes ( 17 ).

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.