PROVIDE

Training in Sustainable Mediterranean Diet

Theoretical and practical course on the Mediterranean diet covering principles, meal planning, cooking techniques, seasonality, sustainability and creating balanced menus, promoting health, flavour and respect for the environment.

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Course Venue

Peniche, Portugal


Content Areas
  • Creating and promoting learning opportunities among all citizens and generations
  • Improving the competences of adult educators
  • Promoting UN SDGs

Topics

Mediterranean diet; Healthy eating; Health and wellbeing; Sustainability; Practical cooking; Food education.


Potential Participants

Trainer , Educator , Staff/Professional , Youth Learner


Course Duration (in days)

4


Next Available Course

Jun 2026



Organised by

Polytechnic of Leiria, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology

Language(s)

English , Portuguese


Description

This theoretical and practical course on the Mediterranean Diet has a total duration of 20 h, organised into 6 modules that combine theoretical learning, practical cooking sessions and application activities (TP). The aim is to provide participants with a deep understanding of the principles, benefits and practices associated with this dietary pattern, recognised as one of the healthiest and most sustainable in the world.

In the theoretical modules, trainees explore the origins and fundamentals of the Mediterranean diet, learn how to plan balanced meals, reduce food waste and value local and seasonal products. The course also includes a component dedicated to food sustainability, addressing the environmental impact of consumption choices, reading labels and identifying local producers and suppliers.

The practical sessions allow participants to apply the knowledge they have acquired by preparing typical Mediterranean dishes, from starters and main courses to healthier desserts, always focusing on simple techniques, fresh ingredients and making full use of food.

Throughout the training, participants develop skills to integrate the principles of the Mediterranean diet into their daily lives, promoting a more balanced, tasty and environmentally friendly diet. At the end, each trainee prepares and presents a sustainable Mediterranean menu, applying the knowledge acquired in an integrated manner.


European Dimension

The course promotes European values of sustainability, cultural sharing and well-being by highlighting the Mediterranean diet as the common cultural heritage of several southern European countries. It encourages respect for regional gastronomic diversity, cooperation between local communities and the adoption of healthy and sustainable lifestyles, in line with the priorities of Erasmus+ in the areas of education for sustainability, active citizenship and the promotion of European cultural heritage.

The multicultural dimension is reinforced by the possibility of sharing food practices and culinary traditions among participants from different Mediterranean countries, promoting intercultural dialogue and European solidarity around food and sustainability.



Tentative Program & Schedule

Day 1:

AM - Presentation and ice breaking, introduction to Mediterranean Diet

PM – Planning Mediterranean meals, balance, ingredients, seasons.

Day 2:

AM: Hands on session on cooking lab, healthy starters, snacks. fish, vegetables.

PM: City tour

Day 3:

AM: Hands on session: cooking with sustainability food conservation, using leftovers, sustainable menus.

PM: Preparing a sustainable and balanced menu.

Day 4:

AM: Team presentation preparation about the learned skills and competences on Mediterranean diet.

PM: Sharing the about the learned skills and competences with all teams.


Expected Outcome

·   Increased knowledge of the principles, history, and health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

·   Ability to plan and prepare balanced, seasonal, and sustainable Mediterranean meals.

·   Improved understanding of food sustainability, local sourcing and waste reduction.

·   Development of practical culinary skills through hands-on sessions.

·   Enhanced awareness of European cultural heritage and Mediterranean food traditions.

·   Promotion of healthy eating habits and environmentally responsible food choices.

·   Strengthened intercultural exchange and European solidarity through shared gastronomic values.

·   Creation of personalized sustainable menus applying learned principles.

 


Certification

Participation Certificate


About Peniche

Peniche is a medium city in the Atlantic Ocean coast, known for the fish and the surf. Has a rich natural and historical heritage, namely the Berlengas biosphere reserve, the fortress, Saint Peter´s church, but also geologic heritage and in the region some good examples of bringing the heritage alive.]

Luso-Tuga (Hugo Cadavez) - Flickr


Venue address

Escola Superior de Turismo e Tecnologia do Mar
Rua do Conhecimento nº 4
2520-614 Peniche
Portugal


How to Apply

Email to: roberto.gamboa@ipleiria.pt


Minimum Number Of Participants

12


Participation Fee

€ 400


Further Information on Course Fees

Included lunch for the 4 days in the school canteen, no other meals nor accommodation is included.


Course Website
no

Polytechnic of Leiria, School of Tourism and Maritime Technology


Co-Organiser (local host)

Short Description of the Organisation