Some time ago, I had the opportunity to spend several months in Greece, on the island of Corfu. It was a pleasure and, equally, a life lesson. We ate what the locals eat, and the immediate effect was that I lost a few pounds, without the slightest effort, got a great tone, strength and zest for life. And all this just because of how I ate.
So, I challenge you to try to change your style of eating. It's much easier than you might think, and what I propose you is more tastier than regular food. And there are no restrictions regarding the quantity. What is already known as the Mediterranean diet has some basic principles, which you can apply anytime you eat or cook.
Whenever you can, eat the pasta, dairy products - in all possible forms, eggs, plenty of olive oil, olives and lemon juice, eat raw or steamed vegetables. The Mediterranean diet, followed in its essential points, is the easiest way by which you can protect yourself and your family from chronic cardiovascular, digestive and nutrition illnesses and serious metabolic diseases.
Eat fresh food!
No mater the dish, cooking fresh foods is better. As fresh as you can. When eating fish, chicken or other type of food, try cooking untreated, unfrozen foods. One of the Greek's principles is to buy fresh meat, cook it with minimal ingredients in the shortest time possible and to eat slowly, outdoors, in the company of your loved ones and friends. The same goes for vegetables, fruits and milk. No one says you should never eat meat that has been frozen. If prepared in a healthy manner, you still benefit of 90% of all its active ingredients.
Switch to olive oil
For Greeks there is no other edible fat except olive oil. They use it on everything. On salads, fries, in cakes. I'm not sure, but I think they invented the combination of fermented cheese, like feta or cottage, over which they pour abundantly, olive oil, with onions, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers sprinkled with sea salt and parsley. Olive oil with cheese! It's worth trying, it's unique! Replace any fat with olive oil, including butter and margarine. Drizzle bread slices with olive oil and fry them. It's incredible! Greeks combine olive oil with all sorts of other spices, garlic, pepper, herbs. The results are stunning. Even when making cookies, they combine olive oil with different proportions of honey, wine, powdered almonds, walnuts, vanilla and other ingredients. The results are of great refinement and simplicity.
Vegetables and fruits
Salads in any combination, with olive oil, lemon juice (for the most dairy - change the lemon juice with orange juice) and sea salt. Nothing else. Vegetables and fruits are the main course dish. Fat yogurt combined with goat, cow or sheep cheese, fermented or fresh, thyme, cayenne, pepper and parsley. Vegetables which can't be eaten raw are softened by frying (only in olive oil) or boiling them. In the fruit chapter, oranges and lemons are a must and according to season fresh tangerine, pomelo, grapefruit, apples, pears, peaches, kiwi, figs, berries, cherries, strawberries, grapes and apricots.
Eat slowly!
How long did your last lunch lasted? Between 20 to 30 minutes? Wrong! Greek Dinner is a ritual that can go from one hour to three hours, during which time you should eat slowly, enjoying the company of those around you and the delights of their... very large dishes. Eat slowly! And if you can not afford such a luxury because of lack of time, try to enjoy lunch with your family, at least on Saturdays and Sundays.
Feed your soul!
For the Greeks, eating is more than feeding. When eating, Greeks feed their need for food but at the same time they nourish their soul. Talk, laugh, relax, enjoy, rest and eat at the same time. Food must feed your spirit in equal measure with your body and soul! The Greeks style of eating is easy to adopt and to follow. It's tasty, simple and healthy. Unfortunately, not very economical, because good quality olive oil is a small fortune. But looking on all the benefits brought by the Mediterranean Diet I say it's definitely worth it.
Ideas and suggestions
Add cereal to the Mediterranean diet and you'll have a healthy and complex diet plan. Do not avoid meat, but quit the sausages. For the daily snacks, use chicken, fish combined with light salads. Cheese should be the main source of calcium, a slice of feta, meaning 10 percent of your daily calcium requirement. Do not avoid fat yogurt, but don't abuse. Fat yogurt mixed with honey, almonds, fruit smoothies, cocoa or vanilla can make the best and healthiest ice cream.
Alternate olive oil with corn oil or combine them. It's good for variation and budget. Flavor the olive oil in different combination. In small bottles that can be closed tightly mix olive oil with a clove of garlic, thyme seeds, dill seeds, pepper or horseradish, parsley, tarragon. Leave the bottles a few days in a cool and dark room.
Enjoy !
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