Today’s Guest Blogger is Jane Johnson. Jane is a writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone related news and commentary as well as reviews on everything from used cell phones to the latest 4G Tablets.

If you’re looking hoping to lose a little weight while adopting a lifelong, heart-healthy diet, the Mediterranean diet is ideal. Research proves that a traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular death, as well as its ability to help prevent cancer and the onset of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Those who live in the Mediterranean have incorporated the ideal balance of healthy eating—a diet consisting largely of seafood, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, filling chickpeas, flavorful yogurts, plus a  hearty dash olive oil and even a daily glass of red wine (rich in antioxidants, of course)!

For those new to the Mediterranean diet or those who want to expand their recipe books—here are the best apps for discovering the delicious flavors of Mediterranean cuisine…

1. Mediterranean Cuisine Recipes ($0.99 – for iPhone)

The Mediterranean Cuisine Recipes app serves up a delectable collection of traditional Mediterranean favorites, including include cucumber and yogurt salad, tabbouleh, hummus, Greek salad, lamb or chicken shawarma, assorted meat kabobs, falafel, and baklava…oh my! Each recipe is accompanied by a full list of ingredients, cooking directions, nutritional information, and mouth-watering pictures. Plus, the app offers a huge recipe database that’s easy to search according to meal (i.e., appetizer, entrée, dessert) or ingredient. On top of that, this recipe data base is constantly updated with new Mediterranean delights on a regular basis. Sample and bookmark your favorites and even submit your own.

2. Mediterranean Recipes (Free – for Android)

Many folks don’t realize that Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the flavorful tastes of Greece, Southern Italy, Spain, Turkey, and parts of Portugal as well. Sample them all with the Mediterranean Recipes app—featuring over 30 step-by-step recipes complete with stunning photos and an interactive grocery shopping list too! You will even get both metric and U.S. Imperial measurements so you don’t have to worry about downloading an extra conversion tool. Browse the many delectable recipes by region, ingredient, or meal type and treat your family to the fresh and flavorful way of eating. They won’t even realize they are eating something really, really good for them.

3. All Natural Food Finder (Free – for iPhone)

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean foods, you’ve probably heard of Tribe Mediterranean Foods, the makers of products like pre-packaged Hummus and Tzatziki.  Well now the company is taking interest in customer wellbeing with the All Natural Food Finder app, a tool to help consumers find natural foods stores and farmers’ markets near them via their smart phone. This app uses the GPS navigation in your phone to detect natural food stores and markets nearest to your current location. The app also features Tribe’s own recipes, recommended shopping lists, and more reason to eat a healthy meal—regardless of where you are!

4. iCooking Greek ($0.99 – for Android)

Are you ready to savor the Greek islands and every delicious morsel they have to offer? The iCooking Greek app can take you there in a matter of a meal with 50 of the most delicious, simple to prepare recipes from the cliffs of Santorini to the shores of Mykonos. Sample mouthwatering squid or succulent eggplant dishes to die for. This app contains everything you’ll need—including grocery lists of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions—to whisk your loved ones on a trip of delectable, health-inspired discovery!

5. Mediterranean Diet Planner & Calorie BMI Calculator ($0.99 – for iPhone)

If you’re thinking of losing some excess weight, but want to do it in the healthiest way possible, the Mediterranean diet offers a lifestyle meal plan that concentrates on heart-healthy foods that will trim your waist line and peak your taste buds. The Mediterranean Diet Planner & BMI Calculator features daily menus jam-packed with flavorful meals that offer the exact calories and nutrients needed to keep you energized and healthy.  Simply customize the tool to your goals by entering your current age, height, gender, and daily exercise level. Plus, you can use this app anywhere as there’s no internet connection required.