Healthy Recipes From Around the World - Greece

Greek recipes are a healthy option

Eating habits and lifestyle of the Mediterranean countries have sparked many studies and health claims, even spawning a ‘Mediterranean Diet’ plan to help you lose weight.

A typical Mediterranean diet - eating more vegetables, fruits, nuts, pulses and olive oil, while not consuming excessive amounts of meat or alcohol, is linked to living longer and reduced occurrences of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

The epitome of Mediterranean cooking, healthy Greek recipes are more than just a piece of cheese a couple of olives and a tomato, they form a colourful and varied diet, rich in healthy oils, fruit and vegetables.

Traditional & Healthy Greek Food

Founded on the Mediterranean basics of whole grains, pasta, olive oil, and wine, meat was rarely eaten and substituted by fish if available.

Nowadays however, light, white meats such as chicken and pork feature regularly in low fat Greek recipes, where their relatively lower cost makes them a good alternative when you are on a budget. 

Greek recipes were formulated to follow the seasons and religious holidays where the various rules of the Greek Orthodox Church shaped what have become healthy eating habits.

Why not try some classic low fat Greek recipes:

Greek Salad (189 kcal)

A substantial but simple main course salad - great for those on a diet. This healthy Greek Salad recipe will give you a good proportion of your 5-a-day and a healthy dose of fibre and calcium. You’ll also be getting Vitamins C, A and D.

Greek Beans (274 kcal)

A starter or a side dish, this recipe provides an excellent low GI source of fibre. The tomato sauce contains lycopene – an anti-oxidant said to help in the fight against cancer.

Greek Ingredients

The most familiar element of Greek cookery is olive oil, produced from the olive trees prominent throughout the region Olive oil is normally used is most dishes, and adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food.  

Other vegetables commonly used in Greek cooking are tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes, green beans, okra, green peppers, and onions.

If you're watching the calories, take a look at our list of calories in common Greek menu items.

Health Benefits of Common Greek Foods

Carbohydrates are supplied by wheat, the basic grain eaten in Greece, while traditional flavourings include parsley, rosemary, oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay leaves. Many Greek recipes use "sweet" spices in combination with meat, like cinnamon and cloves in stews.

Dairy is represented by goat and sheep cheeses, the most familiar being feta.

Why not take a look at our extensive database of calorie counted recipes, or build your own home cooked recipes to see how many calories and how much fat they contain. Try it for free today.