Livia Dune never imagined adopting a Mediterranean diet. She jokes, “It always sounded like something out of a magazine—wine by the sea, boutique olives, and grilled octopus.”
She reconsidered, however, after reading an article that connected the diet to decreased inflammation and a longer lifespan.
Being a busy graduate student with limited funds, Livia knew she needed to think outside the box. She created her own version of the Mediterranean lifestyle, one that suited her schedule and budget, rather than copying upscale menus.
She concentrated on basic pantry essentials like frozen veggies, canned chickpeas, brown rice, and fresh herbs. She found that simplicity, freshness, and balance were more important components of the diet than upscale ingredients. Warm lentil soup in a bowl with parsley and lemon? Completely Mediterranean. Roasted tomatoes and olive oil combined with whole grain pasta? Excellent.
According to Livia, “it became more about how the food made me feel and less about the label.” She felt more in control of her meals, her skin appeared clearer, and her digestion improved as a result.
Livia has now made the Mediterranean diet not only affordable but also a regular part of her routine with a little preparation and a few go-to foods.
