There are numerous health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, especially when it comes to preventing heart attacks and strokes. But even if you're not concerned about your heart health and just want to eat healthier, it might be worthwhile to consider following the Mediterranean diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, the Mediterranean diet is mainly plant-based-fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, specifically-and replaces butter with "healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil." That means all the walnuts and figs and tomatoes and olive oil (with even a bit of feta cheese or Greek yogurt) that you want! And though it's easy to come up with Greek-inspired dinners and lunches, figuring out what to eat for breakfast on the Mediterranean diet can be a little tricky if you're not totally familiar with the ingredients. Fortunately, these Mediterranean breakfast recipes are relatively easy to work into your regular routine, and you don't have to spend a ton of time in the kitchen to eat healthy, because each of these Mediterranean diet breakfast recipes takes 30 minutes or less. If you're in need of a weeklong Mediterranean diet meal plan, consider starting your day with each of these breakfasts. You'll feel like you're starting each morning on the calm and quiet of a Greek island, and what could be better for breakfast than that? A Mediterranean diet incorporates the traditional healthy living habits of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, France, Greece and Spain. Mediterranean cuisine varies by region and has a range of definitions, but is largely based on vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, cereal grains, olive oil and fish. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with good health, including a healthier heart. A 2013 study found that people following a Mediterranean diet had a 30% lower risk of heart disease and stroke. You can make your diet more Mediterranean-style by: eating plenty of starchy foods, such as bread and pasta eating plenty of fruit and vegetables eating some fish eating less meat choosing products made from vegetable and plant oils, such as olive oil This includes everything you eat during the day, including snacks. So, try to stick to these guidelines: Base your meals on starchy carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Choose wholegrain varieties wherever you can, or eat potatoes with their skins on for more fibre. Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day. Find out how you can get your 5 A DAY. Choose some lean protein, which can be meat, fish, eggs, beans or pulses and other non-dairy sources. Include some milk and dairy foods, such as cheese and yoghurt. These are great sources of protein and calcium. Have only a small amount of foods high in fat and/or sugar, or eat them less often. It's a good idea to try to get this balance right every day, but you don't need to do it at every meal. You might find it easier to get the balance right over a longer period, such as over the course of a week. For more information click on BUY BUTTON tag: Mediterranean Diet Plan, Mediterranean diet cookbook, diabetes, meal plan, book, mediterranean diet for beginners, mediterranean diet gluten free, mediterranean diet meal plan, mediterranean diet slow cooker, mediterranean diet vegetarian, mediterranean diet weight loss