Healthy diet can be budget-friendly: A new study on benefits of the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet is known to be very healthy, but some people think it's expensive.

However, a new experiment says that it's not only good for your health but also saves you money.

Actually, it can save a family of four $28 weekly, which adds up to $1455 a year, compared to a typical Western diet.

The research that changes the perspective

The team of specialists looked at three different diets: the typical Western diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Guide to Healthy Eating.

The Mediterranean diet and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating were pretty good for health, while the typical Australian diet was lacking in important nutrients and had too much salt.

For one person, the Mediterranean diet costs $79 per week, $136 for two people, $210 for three people, and $286 for a family of four.

This experiment shows that the Mediterranean diet is a healthy and cost-effective choice for families.

More people should do this

Many Australians don't eat a balanced and healthy diet, which can lead to health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

The AGHE suggests eating five important food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and also meat (or alternatives).

Unfortunately, most Australians don't eat enough vegetables and consume too much unhealthy food.

Why it's important

Eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive.

You can save money by shopping smartly, looking for discounts, buying seasonal produce, and choosing affordable brands.

A $28 saving per week might not seem like much, but it adds up to almost $1500 in a year, which can really help your budget, especially when times are tough.
 

• Related news:
• research
• health
• food
• budget
• 27 September 2023

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