What I Mean By Mediterranean-ish

When I say Mediterranean-ish, I mean we follow the Mediterranean Diet as our blueprint — but I also make space for real life.

Our meals are mostly Mediterranean in their core ingredients, but the details, toppings, and little extras shift depending on who’s eating and what kind of day we’re having. Desmond is the strict one. He rarely veers off course. I, on the other hand, live in the “ish.”

And honestly, it works.

The Blueprint, Not the Rulebook

The Mediterranean Diet gives me a solid foundation — whole grains, olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. But I use it as a framework, not a rigid checklist.

For example, when I make a family dinner like pasta or salad, the base is 100% Mediterranean-approved. But what happens after that depends on who’s eating.

If we want cheese on top, the girls and I pull out the regular grated Parmesan — straight from the bottle — while Desmond sprinkles on fat-free feta instead. It’s the same meal at its core, just tweaked to fit each of us.

It’s a small example, but it sums up the whole “ish” approach: flexible, realistic, and something we can stick with.

Homemade Bread and a Little Butter

I bake homemade bread often — it’s simple, clean, and fits right into the Mediterranean style. The girls and I love to spread a little butter on it, while Desmond drizzles his with olive oil instead.

Recently, Callie suggested adding garlic powder on top, and honestly? It was genius. So now, butter or olive oil, we all add that sprinkle of garlic powder at the end.

It’s these small choices that make this lifestyle work for us — same foundation, different finish.

Our Take on Ice Cream Nights

Before we switched to Mediterranean eating, ice cream (or Dairy Queen Blizzards) were happening multiple times a week. It was a routine.

Now, we still keep that tradition alive — just in a way that fits better with how we eat. We bought a Ninja Creami and make our own protein ice cream with almond milk, protein powder, a small pinch of xanthan gum, and monk fruit sweetener.

Technically, protein powder isn’t part of the traditional Mediterranean Diet, but it doesn’t go against it either. For us, it’s a small, smart swap that satisfies the craving.

Desmond usually tops his with nuts and fruit. I might toss in some chocolate chips or cookie dough pieces when no one’s looking. Again — Mediterranean-ish.

Why the “Ish” Matters

For me, this balance is about grace. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not obsessed over.

I want our kids to grow up seeing that healthy eating doesn’t mean perfection — it means being mindful most of the time and not spiraling when life (or dessert) happens.

Our faith plays into that too. We try to teach gratitude, moderation, and care for the bodies we’ve been given — but also to enjoy the good things in life without guilt.

That’s the beauty of the “ish.” It keeps this lifestyle realistic, sustainable, and full of joy.

Finding Your Version of Mediterranean-ish

You might have different “ish” moments — maybe your coffee creamer, your kid’s mac and cheese, or your once-a-week pizza night. The point isn’t to eliminate those things, but to build your meals around whole, nourishing foods so the exceptions stay small and intentional.

If the base of your plate is good — olive oil, vegetables, lean protein, grains — the rest is just seasoning.

So yes, Desmond may be the picture of Mediterranean discipline. I like to live somewhere in the middle — balanced, not perfect.

Join my email list to come along with me — one Mediterranean-ish meal at a time.

Family dinner, Mediterranean-style — bowls of soup, fresh bread, and everyone adding their own little twist.