Shopping List for the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
Typically, when one learns about the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, the initial excitement quickly gives way to one important question: How do I cook all of this great food? Luckily all you need is a great guide to the Mediterranean Diet such as the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan and some kitchen essentials to create simple Mediterranean Diet recipes every day.
1. Canned Fish
You don’t need to run out and get a fresh salmon steak every time you feel like having fish. Tinned sardines or anchovies on crusty bread make a quick and delicious snack or a light lunch. Canned salmon or tuna can be stirred into pasta or added to salads. Although it’s a little more expensive, albacore is much tastier than and of the chunk tuna varieties. Also, choose tuna packed in water rather than olive oil since the quality of the oil is generally pretty low. You can always add your own later.
2. Grains
Most of us grew up believing that white, sticky rice was the only grain in the world. Nowadays it’s easy to find many healthier and more flavorful varieties such as basmati, and wild rice mixes. Try alternatives to rice like couscous, quinoa and polenta and expand your palate. Other useful grains to keep on hand are oats, granola and of course, pasta.
3. Vegetables
In the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, vegetables should be eaten as often as possible. Ideally they should be fresh, seasonal vegetables, but a stock of sturdier vegetables like potatoes, onions, pumpkins and squash can also supplement many dishes. Swap ordinary Idaho spuds for red, new and sweet potatoes, or try Vidalia and red onions instead of the usual yellow variety. Finally, keep a pantry shelf full of canned beans including kidney, cannellini, chick peas, fava, green beans, or whatever you can get your hands on.
4. Oils and Vinegars
It goes without saying that a Mediterranean kitchen should never be without a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil. While it’s fine to cook with a more affordable brand, you’ll want to keep at least one bottle of really good stuff to use on pasta, salads and breads. This can make the difference between a so-so dish and one that really sings. If you really want to get fancy you can try walnut instead of olive oil on occasion. Vinegars are also used in many Mediterranean Diet meals, so you’ll want to keep a few varieties around including white or red wine and balsamic.
5. Baking Supplies
What’s a Mediterranean Diet menu without a few good breads and baked goodies? The standard baker’s staples such as baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, flour, sugars and vanilla extract are enough to let you create just about anything. You’ll also want a good variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Now that you’ve stocked up your kitchen with lots of wholesome goodies, it’s time to eat! One of the best ways to get started on the Mediterranean Diet is with the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan. It covers four Mediterranean Diet meals each day over twenty eight days which should let you sample each and every one of your new groceries.
1. Canned Fish
You don’t need to run out and get a fresh salmon steak every time you feel like having fish. Tinned sardines or anchovies on crusty bread make a quick and delicious snack or a light lunch. Canned salmon or tuna can be stirred into pasta or added to salads. Although it’s a little more expensive, albacore is much tastier than and of the chunk tuna varieties. Also, choose tuna packed in water rather than olive oil since the quality of the oil is generally pretty low. You can always add your own later.
2. Grains
Most of us grew up believing that white, sticky rice was the only grain in the world. Nowadays it’s easy to find many healthier and more flavorful varieties such as basmati, and wild rice mixes. Try alternatives to rice like couscous, quinoa and polenta and expand your palate. Other useful grains to keep on hand are oats, granola and of course, pasta.
3. Vegetables
In the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan, vegetables should be eaten as often as possible. Ideally they should be fresh, seasonal vegetables, but a stock of sturdier vegetables like potatoes, onions, pumpkins and squash can also supplement many dishes. Swap ordinary Idaho spuds for red, new and sweet potatoes, or try Vidalia and red onions instead of the usual yellow variety. Finally, keep a pantry shelf full of canned beans including kidney, cannellini, chick peas, fava, green beans, or whatever you can get your hands on.
4. Oils and Vinegars
It goes without saying that a Mediterranean kitchen should never be without a good bottle of extra virgin olive oil. While it’s fine to cook with a more affordable brand, you’ll want to keep at least one bottle of really good stuff to use on pasta, salads and breads. This can make the difference between a so-so dish and one that really sings. If you really want to get fancy you can try walnut instead of olive oil on occasion. Vinegars are also used in many Mediterranean Diet meals, so you’ll want to keep a few varieties around including white or red wine and balsamic.
5. Baking Supplies
What’s a Mediterranean Diet menu without a few good breads and baked goodies? The standard baker’s staples such as baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, flour, sugars and vanilla extract are enough to let you create just about anything. You’ll also want a good variety of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Now that you’ve stocked up your kitchen with lots of wholesome goodies, it’s time to eat! One of the best ways to get started on the Mediterranean Diet is with the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan. It covers four Mediterranean Diet meals each day over twenty eight days which should let you sample each and every one of your new groceries.
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