Trista Colwyn had always admired the Mediterranean diet—the vibrant colors, the fresh ingredients, the sense of ease. But growing up with a culturally diverse family, her plate was rarely filled with Greek salads or Italian pasta. “My kitchen was more curry than couscous,” she laughs.
When she decided to embrace a Mediterranean-style meal plan, she didn’t want to give up her culinary roots. Instead, she asked a different question: What if I blended them?
She began fusing Mediterranean principles—whole grains, healthy fats, plenty of produce—with flavors from across the globe. Bulgur tossed with chimichurri. Baked eggplant with harissa and tahini. Grilled sardines served with a side of tamarind lentils. “It was exciting,” Trista says. “Like every meal was its own little passport.”
The results were more than delicious. She noticed less bloating, more stable energy, and even improvements in her mood. But beyond the physical benefits, she felt more connected to her identity. “It wasn’t about following a diet,” she explains. “It was about finding my version of balance.”
Today, her fridge is full of olives and miso, cilantro and feta, soba noodles and chickpeas. And her family? “They love it,” she smiles. “It feels like home.”
