Want to try the Mediterranean diet in 2022? Here are 6 meals to eat at Charlotte restaurants
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The Mediterranean diet doesn’t mean consuming solely Greek food. It’s a lifestyle that prioritizes nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats while cutting out processed foods, added sugar and red meat.
Inspired by the traditional foods of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, who are found to be in good health with few chronic conditions, studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can promote heart health, support healthy blood sugar levels and support brain function. And, according to the U.S. News & World Report, it ranks as the #1 diet overall.
To follow it, here are some basic guidelines:
Emphasize eating healthy carbs from vegetables and fruits, protein from seafood and fish, and healthy fats from olive oil, legumes and nuts.
Consume poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation.
Avoid red meat, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils and other processed foods.
The best part? The Mediterranean diet calls for water and moderate amounts of red wine, about one glass per day.
In the Queen City, here are six healthy Mediterranean diet-inspired dishes to try next time at your favorite restaurants:
Al-Basha
Location: 3145 N Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Eastland
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dish to try: The Pyramid wrap, made with spicy chicken shawarma, lettuce, tomatoes, hummus, garlic, pickles and Albasha sauce.
Ilios Noche
Location: 11508 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dish to try: Mediterranean grilled striped bass, served with arugula, lemon and capers.
Kabab-Je
Location: 7828-B Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Location: 2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105
Neighborhood: Matthews
Cuisine: Lebanese/Mediterranean
Dish to try: Mixed Grill Seafood Kabab, with charcoal-grilled shrimp, salmon and scallops.
Kid Cashew
Location: 1608 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dish to try: Woodfired portobello gyro, made with hummus, garden greens, tomato, basil and vegan chipotle sauce on a toasted pita.
Jasmine Grill
Location: 5033 South Blvd Charlotte NC, 28217
Neighborhood:
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Dish to Try: Tilapia in Garlic Sauce, marinated grilled tilapia filets bathed in garlic sauce. Served with rice and one side of your choice.
YAFO Kitchen
Location: 720 Gov Morrison St, Charlotte, NC 28211
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Location: 1331 Central Ave. Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Location: 1231A East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
Cuisine: Mediterranean fare with Middle Eastern flavors
Dish to try: Make your own bowl or sandwich with Harissa Salmon, veggie toppings and sauces such as tzatziki, or try a featured entree like the stuffed avocado bowl, served with Amba Chicken Salad over a bed of Kale Color Crunch.
This story was originally published January 10, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Want to try the Mediterranean diet in 2022? Here are 6 meals to eat at Charlotte restaurants."
