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Mediterranean diet plan for insulin resistance

If you're managing insulin resistance, the Mediterranean diet offers a tasty way to help stabilize your blood sugar. By focusing on whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, this plan supports balanced meals that can curb sugar spikes and improve overall metabolic health.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Olive oil
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Barley
  • Oats
  • Flaxseeds

  • Chia seeds
  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines
  • Chicken breast
  • Turkey
  • Eggs
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower

  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Avocado
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Greek yogurt
  • Feta cheese
  • Tofu

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 8, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The Mediterranean diet plan for insulin resistance emphasizes foods that are low on the glycemic index. This includes plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fats that are good for heart health. These elements can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Additionally, this diet promotes moderate amounts of lean proteins like fish and poultry, which are important for muscle maintenance and overall metabolism. It’s a flavorful way to manage health concerns without feeling restricted.

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Foods to eat

  • High-Fiber Foods: Legumes, whole grains, and fibrous vegetables to help manage blood sugar levels.
  • Lean Proteins: Skinless poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins.
  • Healthy Fats: Sources like olive oil, nuts, and seeds that can help improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Berries, nuts, and dark leafy greens to reduce oxidative stress.
  • Whole Carbohydrates: Foods like whole grains and sweet potatoes that have a lower glycemic impact.
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Flaxseed will keep that bowel on the move.

Bernard Jensen, D.C., PhD

Foods not to eat

  • Sugary Foods: Avoid candies, cookies, and desserts high in sugar.
  • Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, and other refined grains that can spike blood sugar.
  • Trans Fats: Margarine, and other trans fat sources should be avoided.
  • High-Sugar Fruits: Limit consumption of high-sugar fruits like pineapples and bananas.
  • Processed Meats: Sausages, bacon, and other processed meats high in fats and preservatives.

Main benefits

The Mediterranean diet plan for insulin resistance features a balance of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, which help regulate blood sugar. High in fiber, it improves digestive health and enhances glucose metabolism. Regular consumption of its key components like olive oil and leafy greens can also decrease inflammation associated with chronic diseases.

Mediterranean diet plan for insulin resistance graph

📊 Recommended food breakdown (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Those following a Mediterranean diet plan for insulin resistance should prioritize low-glycemic index fruits and vegetables, which are often affordable and beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. Incorporating a variety of seafood, like sardines and salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can be done on a budget by choosing frozen options. Olive oil, a staple fat source, can be bought in larger quantities for a better price per unit.

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7-Day Meal Plan for Mediterranean Diet Plan for Insulin Resistance

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oats topped with berries and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Greek salad with spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, feta cheese, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon served with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Almonds and an apple

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted cauliflower and a side of barley
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with chia seeds

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Avocado toast on whole wheat bread
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumber, and a lemon-tahini dressing
  • Dinner: Grilled mackerel with sautéed zucchini and brown rice
  • Snack: Sardines on whole wheat crackers

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with berries, almonds, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Whole wheat pasta primavera with a variety of vegetables and olive oil
  • Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and cauliflower served over brown rice
  • Snack: Sliced oranges

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Spinach and feta omelette
  • Lunch: Barley salad with roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts
  • Dinner: Turkey meatballs in tomato sauce served with whole wheat pasta
  • Snack: Flaxseed crackers with sliced avocado

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Chia seed pudding topped with sliced almonds and berries
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with kale, avocado, bell peppers, and a balsamic vinaigrette
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted zucchini and quinoa
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced apples and cinnamon
  • Lunch: Whole wheat wrap filled with grilled tofu, mixed greens, tomatoes, and hummus
  • Dinner: Lentil stew with spinach, carrots, and celery
  • Snack: Almond butter on whole wheat toast

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.