The Mediterranean diet is so called because it is a diet based on traditional foods and diets eaten in the Mediterranean.  The Mediterranean countries include France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal along the north; Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel on the east; and the African countries of Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia on the south. 

From a nutrition perspective the Mediterranean diet can be thought of more as a philosophy for healthy eating.  It implies a "diet" that is rich in plant based foods like fruit, vegetables, healthy fats from nuts, avocado, seeds, and fish and whole grain cereals, legumes and pulses, and typically low in red meat and animal products. 

From a nutritional point of view this diet could include any vegan cuisine like Thai curries, Indian vegan curries and even Japanese foods like stir fried vegetables or sashimi (raw fish) because they are rich in plant foods and sea foods.

Much of our menu is inspired by this Mediterranean diet or philosophy.  Rich in plant based foods, and rich in flavours that have come out of many of the Mediterranean like Moroccan or Turkish or Lebanese or North African or French or Greek or Italian.   For example our French Lentils with Ratatouille and Mixed Rice.

 Why is it thought to be so healthy? 

The Mediterranean diet is considered to be so beneficial because of the abundance of healthy fats, antioxidants, fibre and healthy sources of protein rich plant foods in this predominantly plant based diet.  It has been praised for being good for longevity (living a long life) as well as protective against many of the dreaded diseases like heart disease, alzheimers and cancer.  For some genetic types this is also the best diet for weight management.