Also when you get those veggies find recipes to use them up. My bargains this week included pumpkin and red capsicums. So far, roasted pumpkin, a Greek salad with capsicum and tonight an interesting salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and baked pumpkin thins with baked red capsicum with a honey mustard dressing, chickpeas were added as i didn't have lentils - it was beautiful and delicious. I still have one capsicum and 1/2 a kent pumpkin to go. I love going online and finding great salad recipes, warm salads especially. I love hearing from you and I get a lot of inspiration from you, thank you ❤
Oh Natasha, what a totally super idea. Wish I had thought of it to add to the list but I’m grateful to you for joining in and helping me out! Thanks much. Cheers, Caroline
I live off grid, Next spring im planning on a garden. And my freezer is very small. But im still going to try some of your ideas. Im pre Diabetic. The Doctor told me to try this life style. At,64 I want a life where im healthy and can enjoy my Grandkids. Thank you for all your tips and recepies 😊 Healthy her I come.
@@robbindohm3767 Hi Robin! Good for you…it’s nice to hear you know what you need to focus on and how to do it within your limitations. Your place sounds like our farm. We grow all kinds of things year-round, have lots of fruit-bearing trees and our freezer is an undercounter model from Ikea! Actually, so is the fridge so I can definitlely sympathize with your storage issues. The one store to buy groceries in the nearby pueblo is quite tiny too… about 6 feet long of fruits, veggies, potatoes, onions and about 20 feet of pantry staples. But there’s always enough to make a meal one way or another. And if you’ve watched my video on stocking the pantry from a few years ago, then you’ll see the size of my food storage space! Thanks for the message, I’m really glad you are enjoying all the ideas on the channel! Cheers, Caroline
Is it only in my area that the farmer's market is way more expensive than the grocery store? I still shop there to buy local, but it definitely isn't to save money.
Very good point, Amy. You’re right that in some areas, it can cost more, so it won’t work for everybody. You might find that “height of season produce” woiuld be your best opportunity to support local growers when volume allows them to have more competitive prices. Or work with some of them to arrange to buy 2nds that they might not normally bring to the market. Personally, I like the idea of supporting my neighbors who are trying to make a living growing healthy things for me but I realize that sometimes that choice doesn’t fit a weekly budget. For sure, if you have found other sources that give you good affordable access to healthy ingredients, that’s what is most important. Thanks for raising this issue. Cheers, Caroline
I really needed these tips. I am new to trying this lifestyle. My doctor had been telling me to do this for years without actually saying the word "Mediterranean". I have been doing this for 4 weeks so far and have lost over 20 pounds. My A1C count is probably going down as well. My grocery bill has actually lowered saving me money. I am having trouble trying to plan ahead for the groceries. Your tips help. Thanks! PS: I plan to do this Mediterranean diet/lifestyle for the rest of my life.
Wow, wow, wow, Brady B! Big congratulations to you on your healthy journey. One of the best stories I’ve heard in a while, so it’s really great to hear. Keep going!!!! Cheers, Caroline
I love your channel. I find that eating this way can be cost effective, too. When I think about ending up being sick after eating poorly for a long time has cost me much more.
You are so right, Kathlyn, medical expenses are one of those “hidden” costs that people don’t often think about but probably has more impact on your budget than anything else. Glad to hear this way of eating is working for you. Cheers, Caroline
Your videos are always so enjoyable and inspiring! ❤ The only meat I eat is fish, and I love legumes and veggies! I wondered why olive oil got so expensive all of a sudden. Thank you for mentioning that!
Hi Tink! Yeah, I feel really badly for the farmers that have suffered such a bad year and pretty much have lost out an entire year’s income. Our own meager crop looks pretty abysmal this year too. Glad you liked the video though! Cheers, Caroline
Cheers Caroline. I have parsley, mint and spinach coming along nicely, along with spring onions and an a pot of mixed herbs that I use less often. Also a small bed of cut and come again mixed lettuces. My boys (husband 75 and son 45) are really going into the groove, even asking about the uses of the different herbs. Beans an legumes are featuring more all the time although I’m not up to making my own dressings quite yet.🤣 🙏 thanks for your encouragement 🙏
Hi Lorraine! Nice to hear form you down south…! I know you can do the dressing thing and once you try it, you won’t go back! Especially with all those herbs. It seems like you could take some parsley, some mint, a bunch of spinach, a bit of lemon juice, salt and olive oil and whip together a tasty topping for your salads in the blender or shaken up in a bottle. Oh and maybe a bit of other spicy seasonings…. Cheers, Caroline
I buy in seasons foods. Buying snakes food that can be frozen is a huge help. Buying bulk for staples helps the budget. I also like to eat meat free for 2-3 days a week. Keeps the cost of meals down. Canned flavor - tuna, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, artichokes, beans, tomatoes, keeps me from eating out. I keep a variety of pastas in my pantry as well.
All excellent ideas, Melissa. Thanks for adding a bunch of great tips to the conversation! I really appreciate it and I’m sure others will too. Cheers, Caroline
great advise, wonderful outlook. Local farmer's markets have gotten more expensive in my area. I try to buy local and keep watch on the prices. I try to cook with fresh ingredients and stay away from processed food, which does not taste very good. I agree about the salad dressing. Thinks Caroline!
Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for joining in the conversation on this one. I don’t know about everyone’s area and the weather’s effect on crops but I know in some areas, it’s pretty tough going for farmer’s, especially ones whose yearly income is dependant on a good growing season. Sounds like you are already maximizing your budget and your health at the same time. Cheers, Caroline
My two cents: If you shop weekly, plan the meals that are most perishable early in the week to eat and least later in week. Shop your kitchen before you shop to see what perishable items you have left and meal plan to utilize them. Make a double batch and you won't have to cook as often :). Plan meals from the sales flyer. Some stores package things in smaller bundles which dependent on family size, will be the right amount and potential for less waste.
Wow, Mystery! Wanna join me in a video? Great ideas all around. Thanks so much for sharing with everybody. Hope you won’t mind if you see me co-opt your thoughts in a future video! Cheers, Caroline
Hi Kerry Ann - Hopefully you were able to read my earlier response to your question on another video. if you need more information, please let me know and I’ll try to expand on it. Cheers, Caroline
Hi Arlene! I’m so glad my channel is an inspiration. About the cooking stuff…all I know is once you think of it as either relaxing or a new adventure, you will come around! Cheers, Caroline
Also when you get those veggies find recipes to use them up. My bargains this week included pumpkin and red capsicums. So far, roasted pumpkin, a Greek salad with capsicum and tonight an interesting salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and baked pumpkin thins with baked red capsicum with a honey mustard dressing, chickpeas were added as i didn't have lentils - it was beautiful and delicious. I still have one capsicum and 1/2 a kent pumpkin to go. I love going online and finding great salad recipes, warm salads especially. I love hearing from you and I get a lot of inspiration from you, thank you ❤
Oh Natasha, what a totally super idea. Wish I had thought of it to add to the list but I’m grateful to you for joining in and helping me out! Thanks much. Cheers, Caroline
I live off grid, Next spring im planning on a garden. And my freezer is very small. But im still going to try some of your ideas. Im pre Diabetic. The Doctor told me to try this life style. At,64 I want a life where im healthy and can enjoy my Grandkids. Thank you for all your tips and recepies 😊
Healthy her I come.
@@robbindohm3767 Hi Robin! Good for you…it’s nice to hear you know what you need to focus on and how to do it within your limitations. Your place sounds like our farm. We grow all kinds of things year-round, have lots of fruit-bearing trees and our freezer is an undercounter model from Ikea! Actually, so is the fridge so I can definitlely sympathize with your storage issues. The one store to buy groceries in the nearby pueblo is quite tiny too… about 6 feet long of fruits, veggies, potatoes, onions and about 20 feet of pantry staples. But there’s always enough to make a meal one way or another. And if you’ve watched my video on stocking the pantry from a few years ago, then you’ll see the size of my food storage space! Thanks for the message, I’m really glad you are enjoying all the ideas on the channel! Cheers, Caroline
Is it only in my area that the farmer's market is way more expensive than the grocery store? I still shop there to buy local, but it definitely isn't to save money.
In my area as well. I pay a premium price for quality and freshness. $7 for a half pint of cherry tomatoes!
Very good point, Amy. You’re right that in some areas, it can cost more, so it won’t work for everybody. You might find that “height of season produce” woiuld be your best opportunity to support local growers when volume allows them to have more competitive prices. Or work with some of them to arrange to buy 2nds that they might not normally bring to the market. Personally, I like the idea of supporting my neighbors who are trying to make a living growing healthy things for me but I realize that sometimes that choice doesn’t fit a weekly budget. For sure, if you have found other sources that give you good affordable access to healthy ingredients, that’s what is most important. Thanks for raising this issue. Cheers, Caroline
I am so pleased I discovered your channel. Great information of good ideas for using the bounty of healthy products the Earth gives us. Thank you.
Hi Judy, and I am so grateful you found me! Your kind words are really appreciated. I’m glad you’re finding helpful ideas here. Cheers, Caroline
I really needed these tips. I am new to trying this lifestyle. My doctor had been telling me to do this for years without actually saying the word "Mediterranean". I have been doing this for 4 weeks so far and have lost over 20 pounds. My A1C count is probably going down as well. My grocery bill has actually lowered saving me money. I am having trouble trying to plan ahead for the groceries. Your tips help. Thanks! PS: I plan to do this Mediterranean diet/lifestyle for the rest of my life.
Wow, wow, wow, Brady B! Big congratulations to you on your healthy journey. One of the best stories I’ve heard in a while, so it’s really great to hear. Keep going!!!! Cheers, Caroline
I love your channel. I find that eating this way can be cost effective, too. When I think about ending up being sick after eating poorly for a long time has cost me much more.
You are so right, Kathlyn, medical expenses are one of those “hidden” costs that people don’t often think about but probably has more impact on your budget than anything else. Glad to hear this way of eating is working for you. Cheers, Caroline
Your videos are always so enjoyable and inspiring! ❤ The only meat I eat is fish, and I love legumes and veggies! I wondered why olive oil got so expensive all of a sudden. Thank you for mentioning that!
Hi Tink! Yeah, I feel really badly for the farmers that have suffered such a bad year and pretty much have lost out an entire year’s income. Our own meager crop looks pretty abysmal this year too. Glad you liked the video though! Cheers, Caroline
Cheers Caroline. I have parsley, mint and spinach coming along nicely, along with spring onions and an a pot of mixed herbs that I use less often.
Also a small bed of cut and come again mixed lettuces. My boys (husband 75 and son 45) are really going into the groove, even asking about the uses of the different herbs. Beans an legumes are featuring more all the time although I’m not up to making my own dressings quite yet.🤣
🙏 thanks for your encouragement 🙏
Hi Lorraine! Nice to hear form you down south…! I know you can do the dressing thing and once you try it, you won’t go back! Especially with all those herbs. It seems like you could take some parsley, some mint, a bunch of spinach, a bit of lemon juice, salt and olive oil and whip together a tasty topping for your salads in the blender or shaken up in a bottle. Oh and maybe a bit of other spicy seasonings…. Cheers, Caroline
I buy in seasons foods. Buying snakes food that can be frozen is a huge help. Buying bulk for staples helps the budget. I also like to eat meat free for 2-3 days a week. Keeps the cost of meals down. Canned flavor - tuna, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, artichokes, beans, tomatoes, keeps me from eating out. I keep a variety of pastas in my pantry as well.
All excellent ideas, Melissa. Thanks for adding a bunch of great tips to the conversation! I really appreciate it and I’m sure others will too. Cheers, Caroline
My favorite channel! So happy I found you ❤
Hi Lisa and welcome to my channel. I’m glad you found me too! Cheers, Caroline
You always have such good ideas.
Thanks, Serendipity! So sweet of you to say so… I really appreciate hearing it. Cheers, Caroline
great advise, wonderful outlook. Local farmer's markets have gotten more expensive in my area. I try to buy local and keep watch on the prices. I try to cook with fresh ingredients and stay away from processed food, which does not taste very good. I agree about the salad dressing. Thinks Caroline!
Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for joining in the conversation on this one. I don’t know about everyone’s area and the weather’s effect on crops but I know in some areas, it’s pretty tough going for farmer’s, especially ones whose yearly income is dependant on a good growing season. Sounds like you are already maximizing your budget and your health at the same time. Cheers, Caroline
My two cents: If you shop weekly, plan the meals that are most perishable early in the week to eat and least later in week. Shop your kitchen before you shop to see what perishable items you have left and meal plan to utilize them. Make a double batch and you won't have to cook as often :). Plan meals from the sales flyer. Some stores package things in smaller bundles which dependent on family size, will be the right amount and potential for less waste.
Wow, Mystery! Wanna join me in a video? Great ideas all around. Thanks so much for sharing with everybody. Hope you won’t mind if you see me co-opt your thoughts in a future video! Cheers, Caroline
Another great video, I follow all of your advice and recipes. Thank you.
Thanks, Sandra! So nice to hear from you again. I appreciate that you take the time to give me great feedback! Cheers, Caroline
I wish you'd write a cookbook ❤
Me too, Lori! Some day, some day…. Cheers, Caroline
Yes! I call meat like Dr Mark Hyman does- “condi-meat”
What a super idea, Ann Marie. Thanks for telling me about it, I’ll use it sometime in the future!
Any tips to get legume fit?
My tummy gets bloated.
Hi Kerry Ann - Hopefully you were able to read my earlier response to your question on another video. if you need more information, please let me know and I’ll try to expand on it. Cheers, Caroline
You make me want to go buy all these wonderful healthy foods. I need to marry my love of healthy foods with my disdain for cooking. HELP !!
Hi Arlene! I’m so glad my channel is an inspiration. About the cooking stuff…all I know is once you think of it as either relaxing or a new adventure, you will come around! Cheers, Caroline
@@mediterraneanminutes Yes, a new approach, a new way to approach cooking! TY
Good luck! I hope you have fun!@@ArlenePMCM
Use the farmers market and grow the more expensive fruits and veggies at home. Start small and ask plenty of questions!
Thanks for the tips, Constance! Excellent ideas all. Cheers, Caroline
🌻👍👍🌻
Thanks much for the vote of confidence, Betty. Always very nice to know!! Cheers, Caroline