🥗 Eating Healthy in Barcelona: A Friendly Guide for English-Speaking Expats
🥗 Eating Healthy in Barcelona: A Friendly Guide for English-Speaking Expats
Moving to a new city is exciting—but let’s be honest, finding your rhythm with food in a new culture can be overwhelming. If you’re an expat living in Barcelona and trying to eat healthily without losing your mind, you’re not alone.
As a nutritionist working with expats in the city, I’ve seen firsthand the confusion, frustration and disorientation many feel in their first months here. Between unfamiliar supermarkets, new meal times, and labels in Catalan or Spanish, it’s easy to feel lost—even when all you want is to feel good in your body and settle into your life abroad.
But here’s the good news: eating healthy in Barcelona is totally possible, even joyful, once you know where to start.
🌍 1. Understand the Local Food Culture
Spaniards love fresh, seasonal food—and you’ll find some of the best produce in local markets like Mercat de Sant Antoni or Mercat de l’Abaceria. Embrace the Mediterranean diet: olive oil, legumes, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables are staples here.
But also know that meal times are different. Lunch happens late, dinner is even later, and snacking between meals isn’t always the norm. If you come from a country with a more structured food culture, this might feel strange—but you can adapt without losing your nutritional balance.
🛒 2. Learn Where to Shop (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Your best friend? Local markets. They’re not only budget-friendly, but also the best place to discover seasonal produce and local specialties that can easily fit a healthy diet.
Some top expat-friendly options:
Mercat de la Concepció (great for flowers and organic stalls)
Veritas (organic chain with English labels)
Ametller Origen (fresh + local, and affordable)
Aldi or Lidl (great for basics and some healthy options)
And don’t be afraid of the language barrier—a smile and pointing go a long way, and it’s a great way to integrate into local life.
🥦 3. Create a Basic Healthy Meal Plan with Local Foods
Eating healthy doesn’t mean you need to replicate your diet from home. In fact, trying to do so may cause more stress and frustration. Instead, adapt to what’s available here.
Try:
A Spanish tortilla with a fresh salad
Grilled fish from the market + veggies with olive oil
A veggie stew (“estofado”) with lentils or chickpeas
Oats with local fruit and plain yogurt for breakfast
Need help? I created an easy-to-follow Healthy Market Map + Expat Tips that you can download for free [👉 insert link to lead magnet].
💬 4. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
You’re not the only one navigating new food rules, labels, and cultural expectations. I’ve helped dozens of expats build a nutrition plan that feels realistic, satisfying and aligned with their goals—without extremes or cutting out the foods they love.
If you’re struggling to feel at home in your eating habits, or want support in creating a routine that works in your new life, I offer 1:1 consultations in English, online or in person here in Barcelona.
🎁 Bonus: Free Guide for Expats
Want help starting your healthy journey in Barcelona?
📥 Download my free guide: “Barcelona Markets Map + Healthy Expat Tips”
It includes:
My favorite food spots
Local items to try
Healthy staples for your pantry
A 3-day Mediterranean meal inspiration