7-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Healthy Aging, Created by a Dietitian
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-Garcia
What's the secret to a long, healthy life? Certainly genetics play a role, as does a little bit of luck. That said, lifestyle factors, such as nutrition habits and physical activity, definitely matter too. With so much nutrition and health information out there, it's hard to know what we should actually be doing to add length (and quality!) to our lives. Fortunately, there's one style of eating that may help. Research links following the super-popular Mediterranean diet with a longer 'healthy life expectancy,' meaning it may extend the number of years someone lives without chronic diseases or injuries. Wondering how to start? Follow this seven-day Mediterranean diet meal plan to help promote longevity.
Related: The 6 Best Healthy Habits to Help You Live Longer
This meal plan incorporates the principles of the Mediterranean diet by including a wide variety of plant-based foods, such vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains. You'll also find an array of protein-rich foods, like fish, shellfish, soy, poultry, eggs and dairy. We limit refined grains, such as white flour, and added sugars as well as processed meats.
Each day provides an average of 99 grams of protein. Protein is often emphasized for its role in satiety and muscle growth, and protein intake also plays a pivotal role in healthy aging. Research shows that adequate protein intake in middle age, especially from plant-based sources, increases the odds of healthy aging. We also include an average of 33 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is an important nutrient with many health benefits, and research shows that it can play an important role in supporting a long, healthy life. One study found that high fiber intake reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults with hypertension, while another study showed that high fiber consumption improved cognitive function in adults over age 60.
This 1,800-calorie meal plan has modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories to support those with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.
Related: 30-Day Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for Healthy Aging, Created by a Dietitian
1 serving Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Feta & Pita
¾ cup blueberries
1 serving Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait
1 serving Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
1 medium orange
1 medium apple
1 serving Lemon-Roasted Salmon with Green Herb Sauce
1 serving Melting Broccoli
1 serving Tzatziki Cucumber Slices
Daily Totals: 1,792 calories, 91g fat, 103g protein, 157g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,894mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 large pear and omit evening snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack.
1 serving Apple-Cinnamon Muesli
1 clementine
1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad
3 oz. cooked chicken breast
1 medium apple
1 serving Chicken & White Bean Skillet
Daily Totals: 1,796 calories, 71g fat, 104g protein, 189g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,371mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change dinner to 1 serving Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack.
1 serving Apple-Cinnamon Muesli
1 serving Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait
1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad
3 oz. cooked chicken breast
1 serving Tzatziki Cucumber Slices
1 serving One-Pot Lentils & Rice with Spinach
Daily Totals: 1,822 calories, 74g fat, 87g protein, 211g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,551mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and change P.M. snack to 1 medium apple.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.
1 serving Apple-Cinnamon Muesli
1 medium apple
1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter
1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad
3 oz. cooked chicken breast
1 serving Tzatziki Cucumber Slices
1 serving Pistachio-Crusted Halibut
1 serving Green Beans Amandine
1 serving Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Daily Totals: 1,780 calories, 75g fat, 96g protein, 183g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,711mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and change P.M. snack to ½ cup raspberries.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.
1 serving Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Feta & Pita
¾ cup blueberries
1 serving Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait
1 serving Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad
3 oz. cooked chicken breast
1 cup blackberries
1 serving Garlic Chicken Thighs with Olives & Potatoes
Daily Totals: 1,798 calories, 84g fat, 101g protein, 165g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,634mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 clementine and reduce to ½ cup blackberries at P.M. snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack.
1 serving Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Feta & Pita
¾ cup blueberries
1 serving Banana–Peanut Butter Yogurt Parfait
1 serving Chopped Power Salad with Chicken
½ cup sliced strawberries
1 serving Tzatziki Cucumber Slices
1 serving Sticky Sesame Tofu & Broccoli
1 medium peach
Daily Totals: 1,823 calories, 89g fat, 104g protein, 169g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 2,056mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 plum and omit evening snack.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to evening snack.
1 serving Scrambled Eggs with Spinach, Feta & Pita
¾ cup raspberries
1 large pear
1 serving Chopped Power Salad with Chicken
½ cup sliced strawberries
1 serving No-Added-Sugar Cherry Crumble
1 serving One-Pan Garlicky Shrimp & Rice
1 serving Cacio e Pepe-Inspired Kale Salad
Daily Totals: 1,806 calories, 81g fat, 96g protein, 182g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,693mg sodium.
Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 plum and change P.M. snack to 1 medium orange.
Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.
Make Apple-Cinnamon Muesli to have for breakfast on Days 2 through 4.
Prepare a double batch of Bell Pepper & Feta Chickpea Salad to have for lunch on Days 2 through 5.
Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?
Definitely, if there's a meal you don't like, feel free to mix and match with other recipes in this plan or browse all of our healthy aging, high-protein and high-fiber recipes for additional inspiration. To promote healthy aging, we prioritized recipes rich in fiber and protein and included plenty of plant-based foods.
Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?
Yes, if it's easier for your routine to eat the same breakfast and lunch every day, go for it! The breakfasts range from 374 to 453 calories, while the lunches span 413 to 535 calories. These ranges are fairly similar, so a simple swap should work for most people. If you're closely monitoring calories or other nutrients, you may want to adjust a snack or two to fit your personal nutrition goals.
Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?
We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it's unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that prioritizes plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. It also includes plenty of fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado. Poultry, eggs, dairy and meat are included in the Mediterranean diet, but typically with less emphasis than plant-based foods.
Whole grains
Beans
Lentils
Fruits
Vegetables
Olive oil
Avocado
Fish
Shellfish
Poultry
Dairy
Herbs and spices
While there's no one strategy that will guarantee greater longevity, it's clear that some nutrition and lifestyle factors can help increase the length and quality of our years.
Eat More Protein: Protein intake in middle age, especially from plant-based sources, increases the odds of healthy aging. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for older adults. Eating sufficient protein helps prevent and delay age-related muscle loss, which is important because good muscle tone and strength can help preserve good balance and reduce fall risk as we age.
Focus on Fiber: Eating plenty of fiber can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Research also links a high-fiber diet with improved cognitive function in adults over 60. Fiber-rich foods include beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds and many fruits and vegetables.
Follow the Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet is continuously applauded for its health benefits. And, research links following this healthy eating plan with an increased number of healthy years lived.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can improve the chances of healthy aging, and staying active can help prevent or delay the loss of both physical and cognitive function. Check out our The Best Walking Plan to Help You Reduce Stress to get started.Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell's meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.Read the original article on EATINGWELL
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