If you’re picky about your food, you don’t want to risk spending money on a cookbook that isn’t catered to your taste, resources, or skill-level. So how do you choose the perfect Mediterranean diet cookbook? Read on to view our buying guide explaining all you need to know to select a great Mediterranean cookbook.
Number of Recipes
Whenever you are picking out a Mediterranean diet cookbook, you need to find one that has ample recipes that can last you at least three weeks before you try the same dish again. The Mediterranean diet isn’t filled with fat, juicy steaks, and cheeseburgers, so if you’re transitioning to healthy meals, having a wide variety of dishes to try out will definitely help out. Generally, a book with at least 40 recipes will fare well in the kitchen.
Portion Size
Many Mediterranean diet cookbooks are catered toward small-sized portions, and when you try to upscale them, you’re left with an under or over-seasoned meal at the dinner table. Therefore, you should look for recipes that cater to different meal sizes, or get one that conforms to your specific requirements.
Ingredients
When it comes down to ingredients, you need to take into consideration whether the ingredients mentioned in the cookbook are accessible where you live. Cookbooks aren’t catered to people all over the globe, and there’s a high chance that herbs and fruits that are common in one region aren’t that common in another. You should also make sure that the ingredients mentioned in the Mediterranean diet cookbook aren’t something you’re too sensitive of. If you’re lactose intolerant or allergic to wheat, then make sure to carefully read the cookbook’s description to understand the core ingredients used in the recipes.
Cooking and Prep Time
No one likes waiting forever for their meal to finish cooking or to start a meal and realize too late that it will take longer than expected. That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for cookbooks that have a short prep and cooking time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more at the dinner table. The short cooking times also let you try new recipes without feeling stressed or lazy to cook. It’s a plus if your cookbook has labels indicating the cooking time, so it’s easier for you to scour through and find one that suits your available time.
Book Layout
Often overlooked, having a cookbook with an eye-pleasing layout can make your life so much easier in the kitchen. Neatly arranged recipes in their specific categories, labels indicating each recipe type, and recipes differentiated by the time of the day they're supposed to be eaten are some of the things you should look out for. Pictures are also a great help since they give you a visual representation of the finished dish you’re aiming for. Plus, concise descriptions of the recipe laid out in a manner that is pleasant for your eyes and easy to follow while cooking is more beneficial than you might think.
Foods To Avoid While on a Mediterranean Diet
A Mediterranean diet consists of lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts and olive oil, and a minimal amount of red meat. If you truly want to adopt the Mediterranean lifestyle, then there are a couple of foods and ingredients you need to stay away from. These include processed meats like hotdogs and sausages, along with heavily processed products like sodas and sugary beverages. Also, if you’re a fan of butter, then you may need to reconsider since a Mediterranean meal is made solely with healthy olive oil.
Healthy Snacks You Can Have on a Mediterranean Diet
Cutting down on processed foods isn’t easy, especially if you’re used to filling yourself up on snacks between meals. Well, luckily enough, the Mediterranean diet features a variety of nutritious yet delicious snack options that should definitely be tried out:
- You can eat baby carrots; try dipping them in some lovely hummus and enjoy.
- You can pair up a sweet fruit with cottage cheese, and you’ll be surprised by the delicious outcome. We recommend trying out plums or pineapples first.
- Missing the guacamole with your tacos? Well, grab some sliced bell peppers and dip them in guacamole.
- You can make a chocolate chia pudding and enjoy some earthy-chocolate flavors to boost your mood
