5 products to add to your shopping list that will make the mediterranean diet even easier

In the wellness world, the Mediterranean diet is as acclaimed as it gets, with research touting its cardiovascular and longevity-boosting benefits. Even though it’s old-school, it was recently named the healthiest eating plan to follow by medical researchers. The diet’s bursting with omega-3s and healthy fats (from fish, eggs, nuts, and olive oil), probiotics (hello, Greek yogurt), and lots of grains, legumes, fruits, and veggies.

Check out the below video to see what a registered dietitian thinks of the Mediterranean diet: 

If you want to start eating more of a Mediterranean-style diet but don’t know where to start, look no further than the below roundup. Consider it your Mediterranean diet starter kit:

Scroll down for 5 Mediterranean-inspired supermarket finds worth checking out.

Gaea Fresh Olive Oil

The number-one item that must (must!) be in every Mediterranean-inspired pantry? Olive oil, obviously. It does have a low smoke point, so you don’t want to cook it at super-high heats, but it’s perfect for, say, drizzling on salads—and the more flavorful it is, the less you have to use. Inside each Gaea bottle is the juice from about 2,300 olives, all of which have been harvested by hand—which makes this fresh-pressed, extra virgin variety extra tasty.

Steep Echo Olive Leaf Tea 

Olive trees have been beloved for centuries for their medicinal benefits, and these teas tap into that time-honored tradition. “The leaves have the compound oleuropein—it’s also in the olives themselves—which wards off infection,” says Steep Echo founder Kimberly Branum. “They have double the antioxidants as green tea, and also a good dose of vitamin C.” Plus, the tea incorporates spices like rosemary (which has been linked to circulatory and nervous system benefits), making it a true Mediterranean powerhouse.

Fishpeople Ready Set Salmon!

One of the major differences between how we eat in the States versus now people in the Mediterranean region eat is that they eat fish on the reg, saving meat for special occasions. These salmon slices—sourced from Alaska—provide a way to add ’em to your meal without any prep work.

Peckish Peck Packs

Another way to get those omega 3s and reap all the heart healthy benefits of the Mediterranean diet: have eggs for breakfast or lunch. These little packs come with two pre- cooked and peeled ready-to-eat boiled eggs and a spice to dip them in. From an everything bagel spice to one that tastes just like maple syrup, the blends are all super fun—and delish.

Simply Gum Fennel Licorice Chewing Gum

Yep, you can even get your Mediterranean fix between meals with this gum made with fennel and fennel oil. Sure, the nutritional value isn’t going to be as high as chowing down on fennel directly, but it’s still got vitamin C—making it a way-healthier breath freshener than a stick of Extra.

Originally posted March 6, 2017. Updated January 15, 2019.

Beyond the Mediterranean diet, nutritionists wish everyone ate more of these 10 foods. And have you studied up on the new fruit pyramid? It’s key for cutting back on sugar.