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Abstract
Background The Mediterranean diet (MD) is the most extensively researched diet worldwide. Successfully replicated and adapted outside of the Mediterranean region attests to its capacity for transference to other populations. Its health benefits are renowned for disease prevention and mental wellbeing.
Objective To develop an evidence-based Mediterranean style dietary framework using British grown produce to enable sustainability and promote adherence.
Methods The MD-UK framework has been created based on a comparison of food groups from evidence-based healthy diets such as the traditional Mediterranean Diet and MD adaptations in non-Mediterranean countries such as MIND Diet (USA) and ModiMedDiet (Australia) in addition to The Eatwell Guide (UK).
Results A modified dietary pyramid (figure 1) was produced which depicts the key MD food groups with portions; supplementary resources were created to enhance consumption of UK ingredients.
Conclusions The MD-UK framework can offer an opportunity to promote healthy eating towards a Mediterranean style diet with suggested portions and locally grown foods.
MD-UK dietary framework
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