Last Updated on June 19, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Considering a Mediterranean Diet for heart health? Are you concerned about the cost? The cost of Mediterranean Diet plans and other healthy eating diet plans may be a larger factor for families with rising economic cuts.
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Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
We have a fixed grocery budget. Even when food prices go up, our grocery budget stays the same. For the past several months, I have watched the prices in the grocery store inch up slowly.
When the prices aren’t going up, the sizes are going down. One can of tuna fish used to be enough. We now need to purchase two cans.
It’s no secret to most people that healthier food costs more money than processed foods. I would love to fill my grocery cart with only fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains each week.
I find myself adding in fillers to stretch the meals to feed a few more servings. Some of those fillers aren’t as healthy as I’d like. Diets like the Mediterranean diet encourage you to eat more whole foods and less processed and commercially prepared foods.
Examples of those Mediterranean diet foods are:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fish and poultry
- Whole grains
- Nuts, beans, and lentils
- Olive oil
What is the Mediterranean Diet
What you’ll notice is missing in the list above are processed foods and dairy products. The Mediterranean Diet doesn’t have dairy as a major focus. When it is included, it’s generally in the form of cheese and yogurt.
Sweets and desserts are limited to special occasions. When you look at this list, you may think it’s impossible to follow given the cost of Mediterranean diet plans. However, there are foods that you will commonly find coupons for that will fit into the Mediterranean diet plan.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruit may be your first thought. Canned fruit in 100% natural juices can also be an occasional option. Stay away from heavy syrup and anything marked light or low sugar because that will have preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Look at the ingredients list before you choose. Avoided added sugar. When considering what fruits and vegetables to buy, fresh is always best, but canned is certainly an option. Look at the marked down section and consider gardening and farmer’s markets in your area.
Fish and Poultry
Buying in bulk is a great way to get a lower price per pound on healthy fish and protein. Make sure that you divide it and package it in serving sized packages when you get home to limit food waste. You can also consider canned meats like tuna and chunk chicken to keep the cost down.
Whole Grains
There are many pasta brands that offer whole grain versions. Brown rice is now available from a variety of brands as well. Carbs should not play a huge part of your diet. When you do include them, choose the whole grain version. Most cereal brands have whole grain cereals. Steel cut oats are a very affordable healthy option.
Dairy Products
Dairy plays a small part in the Mediterranean diet. Eating yogurt is an option. I love yogurt for breakfast but I’m careful what I choose.
Avoid the yogurts with artificial colors, sweeteners and heavily processed add ins like candy, yogurt, and cookie pieces. The Mediterranean diet recommends whole yogurts instead of fat-free.
My choices probably don’t come as a surprise to you. Most people know what they need to do to eat healthier. It’s not always possible to make a huge change all at once.
I try to make healthier choices each time I go to the grocery store. I choose the healthiest product I can based on what I want to buy. Following the Mediterranean Diet for heart health is a great option.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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