It’s Mediterranean Month!
If you want to follow a healthy eating plan from around the world, a smart choice is Mediterranean style. Flavors are fresh, fruits and vegetables are plentiful and the net result is very healthy ‘fuel’ for your body. When I lived in Italy 7 years ago from September – December, I was really excited about what I could buy at the grocery store and open-air markets. Boy, was it fun cooking there!
Grocery Shopping for Mediterranean Foods in the USA!
It’s all good news if you want to find Mediterranean foods in American grocery stores these days. Look around for simple foods that fall into basic categories such as fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, seafood, yogurt. Then, don’t leave out 3 other characteristic choices: garlic, olive oil and red wine.
Planning A Mediterranean Meal & Shopping List!
1. Think of a Mediterranean style meal: Broiled fish with White bean or Chickpea Salad, Steamed Asparagus, Crusty bread, Figs.
2. Check your pantry: If you have a can of beans or chickpeas, use them. If you have dried figs, use them. If you keep olive oil and dried herbs as staples, use them. There’s no need to purchase what you already have on hand.
3. Write your list: Fish recipe – fresh or fresh-frozen fish of choice; fresh lemon; fresh parsley; Bean or chickpea salad recipe – fresh garlic, celery or fennel, parsley; Fresh asparagus recipe – fresh asparagus; Crusty bread – buy the day you eat it; Figs for dessert – pouch of dried figs.
A Healthier Grocery Trip!
Healthier groceries are the starting point for healthier meals and snacks. To feel better, improve your health and do so deliciously, a firm stand at the grocery store makes sense. Make the switch now by using this Mediterranean shopping list, and as always, keep it simple at mealtime! Please join me on Facebook for daily tips and shopping inspiration of the good-for-you variety!
What’s a Mediterranean food you’ll add to your grocery cart this month?