If you’re feeling a bit weary from worrying about catching COVID-19 (again), sit back and enjoy a nice salad topped with 3 ounces of grilled fish and a couple of sides, such as steamed artichokes and whole wheat pasta with olive oil, garlic, and minced basil. You might even tip back a glass of Chianti.

That should revive your spirits and your energy — a whole lot more than you might guess.

A new meta-study published in PLOS One looked at data on more than 55,000 people and found that those who stick with a Mediterranean diet like the one described above are less likely to contract COVID-19 than those who eat a diet with more meat, saturated fats, processed foods, and added sugars.

This new information builds on previous studies that found a healthy Mediterranean-style diet helps tamp down respiratory virus symptoms (wheezing, coughing), and reduces body-wide inflammation.

Studies also show that body-wide inflammation is fuel for both catching COVID-19 and having more severe symptoms.

Talk to your doctor about getting the new COVID-19 vaccine, and talk to your grocer about getting salmon and sea trout and lots of fresh fall vegetables.

For appetizer, entrée, and dessert recipes that embrace the Mediterranean diet's ingredients and flavors, check out Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook."