I try to follow the Mediterranean diet on a tight budget. Here are 7 things I buy at Trader Joe's.

I try to buy affordable staples at Trader Joe's.

Alison Van Glad

• I'm on a budget and enjoy following a Mediterranean diet using ingredients from Trader Joe's. 
• Trader Joe's is my go-to place to buy olive oil and some affordable seasonal veggies. 
• I try to keep my kitchen stocked with Mediterranean classics like beans and fresh tomatoes. 

Each time I travel to the Mediterranean, I find myself falling in love with the food over and over again at every meal.

Many of the dishes are wildly fresh...