People trying to lose weight or stay in shape can consider adopting a Greek diet. Following this type of diet means you’re going to eat large quantities of fruits, veggies, fish, and whole grains, as well as small amounts of yogurt and cheese. Even if it doesn’t have red meat, you can still get protein by eating legumes and beans, such as lentils and fava.
Then, there’s also the use of olive oil, which is a great choice for cooking thanks to its low saturated fat content. This oil, when combined with other food groups, can protect you from hypertension. According to a study published in the journal PNAS, following a diet that combines vegetables and unsaturated fats can lower blood pressure. The Greek diet usually comes with recipes that fuse olive oil and green leafy vegetables like spinach.
If you want to stay healthy (and eventually promote a healthy lifestyle in your community by launching a restaurant franchise), consider going on a Greek diet. Some traditional Greek foods that are great for your health are the following:
Hummus
You can pair this famous dip with bread, crackers, and fresh vegetables. Making Hummus is easy — blend chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil, and ground sesame seeds called tahini.
Hummus is both delicious and nutritious. The chickpeas in this dip are a great source of fiber and protein. On top of that, tahini is rich in Vitamins B and E, which improve brain function and protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Dolmades
This appetizer consists of rice, herbs, and seasonings wrapped with grape leaves. Many recipes that involve this dish call for dill and parsley. Dill offers a range of health benefits, including promoting digestion and providing relief from hiccups and insomnia. Parsley, on the other hand, is a fantastic source of Vitamin K, a nutrient that supports bone health and helps with blood clotting.
The grape leaves used in making the Dolmades aren’t just for show. They’re high in Vitamin A and fiber, and low in calories.
Avgolemono
This dish is a traditional Greek soup made with rice, eggs, lemon, orzo pasta, and chicken. Think of it as the Greek version of the highly popular chicken noodle soup.
You can consider Avgolemono to be a guilt-free soup. The dish is low in calories while rich in protein — mainly due to the chicken and eggs.
Baked Sardines
One of the staples found in Greek diets is fish. This protein offers a range of health benefits, including a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
When it comes to the type of fish, make sardines your choice of protein. Besides being flavorful, they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, calcium, and Vitamins B12 and D. If you’re eating sardines, consider baking them together with other healthy ingredients like lemon and olive oil.
Hummus, Dolmades, Avgolemono, and Baked Sardines are some flavorful Greek dishes that can steer you towards a healthy lifestyle. By increasing your intake of Greek staples, you can boost your overall nutrition, help prevent chronic disease, and show everyone the positive results of following a Greek diet.
