Can the Mediterranean way of eating support eating disorder recovery?

The health benefits of eating the Mediterranean way

The lifestyle elements of the Mediterranean way of eating—such as cooking meals together, eating socially and savouring food—may also promote health.

Social connection and enjoyment (conviviality) are fundamental to the Mediterranean way of eating and increasingly recognised as crucial for mental wellbeing and healthy eating behaviours ^[8].

Research shows that social support is protective of disordered eating ^{[9, 10]}, while social disconnection and loneliness have an association with heightened eating disorder risk and persistence ^[11].

Therefore, how we eat—together—may be as beneficial and protective against eating disorders as what we eat.

Can the Mediterranean way of eating support eating disorder prevention and recovery?

The how of the Mediterranean eating patterns—emphasising pleasure and connection—raises important considerations for its application in eating disorder prevention and recovery.

The question is, however, can the Mediterranean way of eating be shared in a way that avoids perpetuating diet mentality? Can this dietary pattern be shared, emphasising the cultural and social benefits of food, rather than focusing on food and diet rules?

What are eating disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health issues. They include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and other specified feeding and eating disorders.

Eating disorders are diagnosed through the DSM-5 criteria. However, many people may experience disordered eating behaviours while not meeting the criteria.

Furthermore, an obsession with “healthy” eating, termed “orthorexia”, has not been recognised by the DSM to date (2025). However, it can have profound health implications not unlike other eating disorders.

Treatment of eating disorders typically focuses on nutritional rehabilitation, weight restoration and psychological support. The early phases of recovery commonly prioritise adequacy of nutrition over food variety, as in the RAVES framework:

• Regularity
• Adequacy
• Variety
• Eating Socially
• Spontaneity

This framework guides dietitians in supporting clients in re-establishing healthy eating habits.

Applying the Mediterranean way in eating disorder recovery

Although structured eating and ensuring nutritional adequacy are primary goals in eating disorder recovery—under the guidance of accredited practising dietitians—there is growing interest in the benefits of adhering to the Mediterranean dietary pattern.

A study of 11,800 young women over an average of nine years found a reduced incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with those following a Mediterranean dietary pattern, particularly when meeting the recommended intake of cereals and olive oil ^[12]. Another study found that the dietary pattern was associated with a reduced risk of developing binge eating disorder ^[13]. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has also been shown to be optimal for the nutritional restoration of patients with anorexia ^[14].

The findings of these studies suggest that the Mediterranean dietary pattern could be integrated into eating disorder treatment, particularly during the “Variety” and “Eating Socially” phases of the RAVES model.

However, care must be taken when increasing fibre and altering macronutrient intake, especially during early refeeding, where gastrointestinal symptoms and nutrient deficiencies must be managed under clinical supervision (Queensland Health).

Beyond the food: the how of eating

Eating disorders thrive in isolation, with individuals often avoiding social eating situations. Thus, the Mediterranean emphasis on shared meals and social eating is particularly relevant for recovery from eating disorders.

Family meals can improve mental health, reduce disordered eating and enhance nutritional intake in young people ^{[15, 16]}. Children and adolescents from families that share at least three meals per week are 35 % less likely to engage in disordered eating ^[17].

Eating together helps model positive eating behaviours and is a protective factor against the development of eating disorders ^{[18, 19]}.

Even in treatment settings, supported meals—where staff or loved ones eat together with those with eating disorders—can help reduce anxiety and reinforce new food behaviours ^[20].

Encouraging eating at a table, preparing meals together and removing judgment from mealtime conversations aligns with the Mediterranean convivial traditions.

Embracing a dietary pattern, not a diet, in eating disorder recovery

It is essential to characterise the Mediterranean Diet as a dietary pattern, not a diet.

The language of diet culture can be stigmatising or triggering for people with eating disorders and interpreted as restrictive and rules-based. Unfortunately, the weight loss focus of some research into this dietary pattern may perpetuate harmful beliefs and behaviours.

In my opinion, the Mediterranean dietary pattern should be promoted through a Health at Every Size® lens, rather than with a prescriptive or weight-focused emphasis. Thus, focusing on helping foster a healthy and joyful relationship with food, framing it as a flexible and inclusive way of eating that celebrates variety, tradition and connection.

Nourishing recovery beyond the plate

While the Mediterranean dietary pattern is not a clinical treatment for eating disorders, and medical nutrition therapy is only within the scope of practice of dietitians, its underlying principles—social connection, enjoyment of food, cultural traditions and shared meals—offer value for supporting recovery.

Culinary nutrition professionals, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, could play a key role in translating the how into practice by offering food-based exposure, cooking activities and meal support.

It is my intention to share non-diet recipes and food exposures to support a healthy and joyful relationship with food, as I believe joy is a crucial ingredient in our health and wellbeing, with health benefits that extend beyond the plate.

Let’s reclaim food as connection and joy, core values of the Mediterranean way of eating.

Recipes to embrace the Mediterranean way of eating

Although this blog emphasises the importance of the how of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, without rigid food rules, if you’d like to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired dishes into your diet, you could try some of these recipes:

• Baked Sicilian eggplant: tender, roasted eggplant with tomatoes, garlic, olives and capers.
• Tahini yogurt sauce: a creamy, tangy sauce made with Greek-style yogurt, tahini and lemon juice. Add it to roasted vegetables, grain bowls, flatbreads or falafels.
• Chickpea, cucumber, feta salad: a quick and refreshing salad ideal for a light lunch or as a shared side.
• Gazpacho: a chilled tomato soup originating from Spain that is perfect as a starter or light meal.
• Sun-dried tomato hummus: serve with veggie sticks, crackers, spread on sandwiches or incorporate it into a mezze platter.