I wanted to share some of the recipes we did for the Mediterranean Diet. These were really good and I would definitely make them again. I did the Mediterranean Diet for almost a month. I know I just posted about this diet yesterday (I forgot I had it in my drafts!) but after taking about 2 months off from the keto diet, and trying a different diet (which I liked A LOT), I am going back to Keto.
I hate to admit it but, I just failed. I gained weight. I wasn’t going crazy with carbs but apparently I did enough to gain weight. So clearly my body just does NOT work with carbs. Period. It’s disappointing. I was hoping I could try something different and find a medium ground…but for now…back to what worked. This time, no modifications. Following the keto diet properly.
In the meantime, here are some recipes we liked a lot.
#1- (Taste of Home) Mediterranean Chicken on top of cauliflower rice
It was really delicious! We both liked it a lot. I added crumbled feta because, duh. The cheese really made it awesome.
#2 – Mediterranean Bowl (modified)
Absolutely delicious! Instead of quinoa or rice, I sautéed kale as the base. Then added roasted chickpeas, orange peppers, tomato, red onion, cucumber, hummus, Falafel from Trader Joe’s, topped with feta and a little Goddess dressing. It was so good! I loved it. But this is my flavor profile. Michael said it was good but not his favorite (I think he would have preferred chicken in it).
#3 – Frittata
It was a “use up whatever I had in the fridge” kind of frittata. Keto and Mediterranean diet friendly. Paired it with a side salad of mixed greens and Primal Kitchen Green Goddess Dressing.
It was SO delicious! Eggs, heavy cream, cheese, ham, orange peppers, spinach, onion, garlic, seasonings, topped with ricotta.
I wanted to get this posted before I forget again 🙂 and will be sharing some new recipes soon from my keto reboot!
Elaine
Just curious- did you count calories or just eat intuitively? Because, as you probably know, it doesn’t matter what diet you choose, you must create a calorie deficit to lose weight.
Lisa Eirene
Yep counted calories. I’ve never stopped counting, no matter what diet I’ve tried.
Elaine
The reason I ask is I recently lost weight for the umpteenth (and last!) time. What I did differently was sign on with an online dietician (professional- master’s degree). She offered daily accountability (this was huge), encouragement and tweaking when needed. Recurrent theme was caloric deficit. And patience. Something you might consider if keto doesn’t work out for you.
Lisa Eirene
What online dietician? Was it an app or through your doc?
Elaine
Her name is Sharone Sapir, and she is on Instagram.
Elaine
Not sure my earlier reply posted, so replying again. My nutritionist’s name is Sharone Sapir, and she is on Instagram.
Lisa Eirene
Thanks!
bethh
You are so diligent, I am frustrated on your behalf! I don’t know if you are interested in intuitive eating (it’s not something I have explored) but a friend recommends the podcast RD Real Talk, especially the 10-part series on intuitive eating, so I thought I’d mention it in case you’ve explored that at all.
I kinda feel like my version of intuitive eating is a pint of ice cream as needed .. but maybe I should listen to the podcast!
Lisa Eirene
Intuitive eating is hard. That’s kind of what I did when I took a break from keto. I still counted calories but I was less diligent and just kind of did whatever, in moderation (or so I thought) and it didn’t really work for me. 🙁
emmaclaire
Thanks for sharing your experience with the Mediterranean Diet, Lisa. It always sounds so appealing and do-able to me, but I suspect I would have similar results. Like you, carbs are just a killer. I haven’t tried Keto or even Atkins-type diets, because I just don’t think I can be that strict. And I gained weight on a Primal diet, so, go figure! For now, I just try to limit any grains/pasta/potatoes and at least I’m managing to maintain. Unfortunately I’m successfully maintaining an almost 20 pound gain, so it’s not where I’d like to be. I hope going back to Keto works for you again, if not just for the weight, for the other health benefits as well.
Lisa Eirene
It’s frustrating isn’t it? I think it takes time to figure out what works for you and your body. Everyone is different. I think things were easier for me when I was younger (age) and it was pre-baby (I truly think pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum stuff changed my metabolism) and I definitely had the opportunity to work out LONGER pre-baby. Now I have to “fit it in” when I can. So I run on my lunch breaks, I lift weights less often (2x a week) and that all makes it add up I think.
I haven’t looked at the primal diet. Similar to paleo?
emmaclaire
Primal is similar to paleo, only they allow dairy and don’t discourage eating nightshade family veggies. I wanted to keep my yogurt and cheese for the calcium. I can only eat so much broccoli.
Lisa Eirene
That makes sense. That was one of my issues with trying paleo (and maybe Whole30? I don’t remember). I’m not giving up dairy. Ever. I will pick a “Better” dairy but I’m not giving it up!