When the topic of healthy food comes up, Greek cuisine rarely makes the list. With dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and gyros all heavy in calories, it’s easy to think of Greek food as unhealthy.
But that doesn’t necessarily need to be the case! Many traditional Greek dishes are actually quite healthy, and with a few small tweaks they can easily fit into a balanced diet.
One of the staples of Greek cuisine is olive oil. This superfood is high in healthy monounsaturated fats which can help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
It’s also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for overall health. Additionally, olive oil is low in saturated fat which makes it a healthier option than many other types of cooking oils.
Greek food also typically features plenty of vegetables. From salads to soups to vegetable side dishes like ratatouille or roasted eggplant, vegetables are an important part of the Greek diet.
Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber which all play an important role in keeping your body healthy. Additionally, many vegetables are low in calories so they won’t add too much extra weight.
Meat is another popular component of Greek cuisine. While red meat should be eaten sparingly due to its high saturated fat content, lean white meats like chicken or fish provide valuable sources of protein without as much fat or cholesterol. When choosing meat for Greek dishes, look for leaner cuts like skinless chicken breast or turkey instead of fattier cuts like pork or lamb.
Finally, don’t forget about the delicious dairy products found in many traditional Greek recipes! Dairy products like yogurt and feta cheese are loaded with calcium which helps keep your bones strong and healthy while providing a good source of protein at the same time. Just be sure to opt for lower-fat versions like non-fat yogurt or low-fat feta cheese to keep your calorie intake under control.
Conclusion:
Overall, when prepared correctly, traditional Greek foods can be part of a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats from olive oil and dairy products rich in calcium. So yes – when cooked properly – Greek food can definitely be considered healthy!