It’s incredible how these fitness buffs and lifestyle bloggers you follow always manage to come up with new diet plans that promise to help you lose those kilos or maintain a healthy weight. How many of these diet suggestions have you tried, and which of them actually worked?
If you’re one of those who are always on the lookout for an effective eating plan, the Mediterranean diet will not be alien to your ears. It earned the top spot in the 2019 Best Diets Overall of U.S. News and World Report. Find out why.
The Popularity of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan, which is a combination of the basics of healthy eating and Mediterranean’s traditional flavors and cooking methods. The main components of this diet are:
- Eating vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains daily
- Consuming fish, poultry, beans, and eggs weekly
- Taking dairy products moderately
- Limited intake of red meat
This diet is becoming popular because it helps reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the Mediterranean diet as a healthy and sustainable dietary pattern.
Mediterranean Diet Business Opportunities
Due to the diet plan’s health benefits and the growing trend for healthy eating, it is also a profitable business opportunity. Investing in restaurant franchises specializing in Mediterranean dishes can give a franchise business owner high returns.
Americans enjoy Mediterranean flavors, so it’s no surprise to see falafel, hummus, and pita among the menu of many diners in the country. A report by QSR magazine explains that Americans have been looking for spicier, bolder, and more flavorful options. The report states that more quick-service Mediterranean brands are opening across the country. Popular dishes include shawarma, baba ghanoush, and tabouleh.
The Mediterranean diet offers a range of flavors that Americans love. You can incorporate these components of the Mediterranean diet to your restaurant’s unique dishes:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Herbs
- Whole grains
- Spices
Investing in a Mediterranean food business not only allows you to give consumers spicier and bolder options but also promote healthy eating.
Starting Your Mediterranean Food Business
Opening your own restaurant is a rewarding investment, but it tends to be overwhelming, as well. A lot of factors are involved in the process, from choosing the right location to hiring staff. Start your planning by deciding on what type of restaurant you want to open, be it a fine dining or a casual restaurant. Doing so will help you decide on the other components of your restaurant.
Additionally, make sure the location of your restaurant is right. Busy areas with plenty of foot traffic are an ideal location for restaurants. Having enough parking spaces is also an advantage.
Don’t forget to think of a unique, appealing name for your restaurant. You can use your family name, wordplay, or a phrase that reflects the concept of your business. If this isn’t your cup of tea, you may purchase a franchise instead.
Franchising can be your shortcut to business success. As a franchisee, you get to run your own business with the support of the franchisor. The processes, procedures, and market testing have been done for you, so you save time and money.
Whether you build your business from scratch or buy a franchise, research is crucial. It pays to understand your market and how you’re going to stand out over the competition. Be one step ahead with your research and business model so you can start focusing on running your business.
