Is the Mediterranean Diet Worth the Money?

When you compare Mediterranean diet with an ordinary, fat-filled diet habits of average American, some people get the impression that Mediterranean diet meal plan is lot more expensive and just forgo their desire to improve their eating habits following Mediterranean Diet.

That’s because Mediterranean Diet meal plan is composed of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other “costly” ingredients like olive oil. Mediterranean diet is composed of foods rich in antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and low in artificial additives. But, quality and freshness, and especially health, have a price tag.

If you get scared thinking about the cost of Mediterranean Diet in contrast to ordinary eating habits, start looking at Mediterranean Diet as an investment. Normal, processed foods and fast foods are cheaper and you can save a few bucks today, but these foods are unhealthy so when you eat them you pay a great price, just not in money. You risk a heart attack, high cholesterol and other illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

But, there’s a way to follow Mediterranean Diet and not brake the bank! You can create a strict and clear food budget. If you plan your Mediterranean Diet menu in advanced and buy some ingredients (like olive oil, vegetables and spices) in bulk, you can save a great amount.

If you create a strict food budget and follow Mediterranean diet plan, you can save money by buying produce that is in season. Also, shop at your local farmer’s market to get the freshest and cheapest fruits ad vegetables (the prices of produce on farmer’s market don’t include transportation costs, like those in supermarkets do).

Another way to save money and eat healthy at the same time is to substitute costly meats with poultry or vegetarian sources like eggs, beans and legumes. Extend your dishes with more vegetables, whole grains or beans, and serve smaller portions of meat.

Did you know you can actually save money by eating healthier foods? A study published in Journal of the American Dietetic Associations shows that families that started a weight loss diet not only lost weight but have reduced their food budgets also!

The savings in food budget came from reduced portions and from buying few high calorie foods called “extras” – people who are not on a diet, tend to spend a lot of grocery budget on foods that don’t have nutritional values but add calories (and costs!) like chips, sodas and baked goods.

And Mediterranean Diet menu doesn’t have to be full of expensive ingredients! There are many easy and inexpensive Mediterranean diet recipes online, like this here.