When you're using this approach, the Mediterranean diet pyramid you will follow will be slightly different from the more traditional recommendations out there.

The Mediterranean diet pyramid is going to place red meat at the very top because it should be used most sparingly. On the bottom of the Mediterranean diet pyramid will be breads, pasta, rice, couscous and any other whole grain products.

Note however that you are to try and stay away from 'white' products as much as possible and choose whole grain as a replacement.

Next will come the categories of fruits, vegetables and beans and legumes. These should then make up the rest of your intake, providing you with vitamins and anti-oxidants along with protein and healthy fats.

Moving up the diagram, you'll want to then want to add in small amounts of olive oil along with cheese and yogurt on a daily basis. All of the above mentioned foods should make up your food intake on a day-to-day basis.

Then, on a weekly basis you'll want to also include fish, poultry, eggs and sweets. Note however that you are not to consume large amounts of these in a single sitting.

Finally, at the very top you have red meats, which are to be avoided as much as possible. This diet stresses that red meat is not healthy for the body and including it in your food intake is likely to only lead to problems.

It is also highly recommended that you take in as much water as possible along with some wine in moderate amounts.