Thats the Mediterranean diet I know and love and want to share with you.

I have such special memories of those trips, absorbing my ancestors' food, traditions and culture.

Yet, I see so much ofmy Mediterranean dietmissing from the narrative.

Where is the freekeh, bulgur, pomegranate and okra?

you could think of it as thenewMediterranean diet.

So what does the actual diet of those in the Mediterranean region truly look like?

Furthermore, not all people in the region drink wine.

Eastern Mediterranean grains include fresh pita bread, lavash, rice and bulgur.

Burek is a staple dish across the region that consists of phyllo dough stuffed with cheese or meat.

Poultry, lamb and goat meat are grilled like kebabs or gyros or ground up, such as inkibbeh.

For example, wine is commonly used in dishes as a flavor enhancer or on its own.

The staple grains include pasta, rice, polenta, potatoes and leavened bread.

Olive oil is consumed throughout, although people in France consume more butter.

Common vegetables include eggplant, okra, potatoes, pumpkin and cabbage.

Prsut is a salted dry-cured ham that is served in Croatian meals with cheese and olives.

The North African Region

Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya make up the North African region.

The cuisine is rich in spices such as cumin, coriander, saffron, cinnamon and cloves.

Harissa andras-el hanoutare spice mixes used to add warmth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Dried fruit like raisins, dates and apricotsgood sources of fiberare used in savory dishes and desserts.

Bread and rice are also consumed with various meals.

The Moroccan tagine is one of the most popular dishes of North African cuisine.

Meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a cone-shaped ceramic pot.

Other common ingredients include potatoes, pumpkin, chickpeas and lamb.

But the principles of the diet are not confined to just that region.

So, how can you embrace thisnewMediterranean diet?

Incorporate dried fruits into your afternoon snack, and sprinkle nuts and seeds onto main dishes.

Try a variety of animal- and plant-based proteins like lamb, goat, seafood and tofu.

This lifestyle was certainly my experience, especially when visiting Syria in the summer.

That’s the Mediterranean diet I have come to love and share with you.