May is National Mediterranean Diet Month, a great time to explore one of the healthiest eating patterns out there—especially for older adults.

This culinary style mixes creative recipes with healthy fundamentals, resulting in food that’s fun to make, delicious to eat, and also good for you.

Celebrate during this month and beyond by giving your meal plan a Mediterranean makeover!

How to Get Started with the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is rich in flavor, heart-healthy, and easy to stick with long-term. If you’re looking to improve your health without sacrificing taste, here are three simple ways to get started:

1. Make Plants the Star of Your Plate
Vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains are at the core of the Mediterranean diet. Try building meals around these ingredients instead of meat. A hearty vegetable soup or a colorful grain bowl can be just as satisfying—and better for your heart.

2. Choose Healthy Fats
Swap butter and processed oils for extra virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds. These healthy fats support brain and heart health, and they’re also perfect for cooking, drizzling, or mixing into dressings.

3. Get Inspired by Others
One of the most enjoyable parts of the Mediterranean lifestyle is that you’re dining among friends, even if you’re cooking solo. People around the world champion this diet. Looking for inspiration? You can find plenty from the Mediterranean community. Here’s a collection of over 50 Mediterranean recipes you can try. Which one will you make first?

Some people may slip one of these dishes into their daily routine to try it out. Others may be willing to make Mediterranean food their primary focus. No matter how you choose to use these recipes and tips, we hope you’ll eat well and feel better for it afterwards.

Want more delicious, senior-friendly recipes? Bookmark our site for DIY ideas, healthy meals, and fun activities to try at home. We offer creative recipes for holidays, seasons, and various popular diets, plus cool crafting content you’ll love.