I'm a dietitian on the Mediterranean diet. After visiting Greece, I incorporated these 5 changes to my meals at home.

"Most Americans aren't getting the recommended daily intake of vegetables or fiber. Having these foods with my first meal of the day puts me on the right track. I'm excited to throw together more breakfast salads at home. The practice is easy enough to incorporate into my routine, and I like front-loading my day with nutrients."

"Honey can be considered an added sugar, but that doesn't mean it should be completely eliminated from my diet. I've found that a little drizzle of honey makes nutrient-dense foods more palatable. Plus, unlike refined sugar, honey contains some nutrients and a variety of antioxidants."

A dietitian practicing the Mediterranean diet shares practical habits learned during a trip to Greece that are easily incorporated into daily life in the US. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes lean proteins, seafood, produce, legumes, and whole grains while avoiding ultra-processed foods. Though challenging to follow fully in the American South due to regional food culture differences, specific Mediterranean practices prove manageable. Breakfast salads increase daily vegetable and fiber intake, addressing common American nutritional gaps. Honey serves as a nutrient-dense sweetener containing antioxidants, making nutrient-rich foods more appealing. Grilled sardines provide quality protein aligned with Mediterranean principles. These simple habits demonstrate that Mediterranean eating patterns can be successfully adapted to American routines.

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