KaoutarThe proposal of the Mediterranean diet is interesting because it encourages eating natural and fresh foods that are typical of the local agriculture of the countries with a Mediterranean climate. However, many people may consider this diet to be very expensive.
The Mediterranean diet is highly recommended due to the benefits it brings for heart health, diabetes control, and weight loss. Next, we will give you some useful recommendations to adapt this diet to your country and your pocket.
Buy seasonal products
One way to lower costs is to acquire the products of the season. It is cheaper to buy them during their production season than in another. So it would be good if you started planning your meals according to the vegetables and vegetables available.
Another way to reduce expenses is to buy from local producers and sellers. It’s a great way to help local suppliers procure fresh, low-cost food.
Opt for legumes
Meat and fish are the usual source of protein in the Mediterranean diet, but can sometimes be expensive. However, this diet should not rely on fish as a source of protein.
Legumes and beans contain protein and are much cheaper compared to meats and fish. In addition, if you take advantage of the purchase of beans by bags you can save more money.
Plant your own spices
Many times you want to make a recipe, but it turns out that you are missing some ingredient and buying it can mismatch your budget. Well, a good option is to plant them in your garden or balcony.
Even if you don’t have one, you can do it in containers suitable for it. Best of all, you’ll have fresh spices at your fingertips.
Planting your spices at home or using dehydration techniques will allow you to always have them on hand.
Buy in bulk
For anyone with a large refrigerator: Many products can be purchased cheaper in large quantities! This can be done for example with wholesalers, but also in the market. Pay attention to not only choosing healthy foods but also food that is easy to freeze! Hardy vegetables are easier to freeze than vegetables like spinach and endive.
Take advantage of canned food
It is true that you have to take precautions with canned food, but in this case it can be your best ally. Canned or frozen vegetables and beans are profitable when, in the case of the vegetables you need, they are not of the season.
On the other hand, canned salmon and tuna are also inexpensive and easier to prepare. In addition, you will get the necessary portions to take care of the health of your heart.
Grow Your Products
If you can, it’s a great idea to grow your own products.
Seeds are very cheap to buy. With a little time and effort, you may be able to grow your own herbs, sprouts, tomatoes, onions and many other delicious crops.
Having a continuous supply at home saves you money at the store.
Home-grown products can also taste much better than store-bought varieties. You can also ensure that it is harvested at the peak of ripening.
With a little time and effort, it is easy to grow your own products, such as herbs, sprouts, tomatoes and onions.
Make a shopping list
Do you always do your shopping with a little momentum? Chances are, it costs you a lot more money than you think! By thinkinglessly stuffing things into the cart, you’ll quickly be left with food you don’t need – or very unhealthy. Bad for your figure and bad for your wallet. I pre-write down everything I need on a shopping list, so I don’t take that risk.
A shopping list is also useful because this way you can see in advance which products are being promoted for that week. I plan my meals from there, so suddenly it is much cheaper.
It is also a good idea: download the app of the advertising material so, like me, you can on Sunday afternoon, scrutinize little brochures in search of the offers for that week. Which is also pleasant and relaxing.
Plan the menu
To perform better on food and not spend extra money buying it again, the best thing you can do is plan the meal for the whole week. This will also help you to know what resources you have and account for what you should replenish and you will not buy things that you do not really need.
Stock up on sales
If you have favorite products or staples that you use frequently, you should stock up when they’re on sale.
If you’re sure it’s something you’ll definitely use, you might as well stock up and save some money.
Just make sure that it will last for a while and will not expire in the meantime. It won’t save you money to buy something that you’ll end up throwing away later.
Stock up on staples and favorite products when they’re on sale. Just make sure they don’t go wrong in the meantime.
Take advantage of the remains
A tendency of many people is to throw away the remaining food. Doing so is a real waste. Instead, it’s best to take what’s left of the food and refrigerate it.
This way, you won’t have to be cooking all the time, let alone spending extra money on something you can take from your refrigerator.
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits, berries and vegetables are usually only in season a few months a year and are sometimes quite expensive.
Frozen products are usually just as nutritious. It is cheaper, available all year round and is usually sold in large bags.
Frozen products are great to use for cooking, making smoothies, or as a seasoning for oatmeal or yogurt.
Plus, you get the benefit of being able to extract only what you’re going to use. The rest will be kept safe from deterioration in the freezer.
Reducing production waste is a great way to save money.
Frozen fruits, berries, and vegetables are usually as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. They are available all year round and are often sold in large bags.
As you can see, eating healthy and economical is not so difficult: Everything revolves around you being creative with the budget you have and cooking wisely!
