Fasting in the Orthodox Christian world is a way to clean souls by willingly avoiding temptations of gluttony taste related to meat and other animal products as well as daily food quantities, throughout the fasting period. At the same time, people must keep away from “spiritual temptations” (passions) too.
During the first millennia A.D. the Greek Orthodox Church defined the small and great fasting periods that Orthodox Christians should observe, by the fasting that our Lord Jesus Christ did for 40 days in the desert. Nonetheless, the fasting period “habits” of the Orthodox Church found fertile “ground” within Greeks since the ancient Greek dietary habits (eg Eleusinian mysteries – a ritual initiation) were very similar to the newly introduced rules. The catharsis of the body and mind is the target of any religion (Vedas, Bible, Koran) imposing fasting periods.
Also other mystic characters, like Moses and Pythagoras among others, followed the 40 days of fasting on their “journeys to self-knowledge”, during which it is known they drank water only to purify their body and mind. (more…)
Mediterranean diet or Cretan diet is a diet steeped in time. Historical evidence and mythology have extensively proved Cretans’ nutritional preferences throughout the centuries as well as their fondness for basic products.
I would like to introduce you to one of the most tasty and healthy cuisines in the world but also to a magnificent ancient civilization. Learn about the art of Cretan vegetarian nutrition and cooking.
Their diet is typically based on products that originate from the island’s farmlands and mainly include plates of raw or home-cooked greens, grains, pulses, vegetables, olive oil, and fruits. The Cretan diet is based on fresh and natural produce that is cooked in its original form without any addition in the preparation of the recipes of processed or complicated sauces and only enriched with fresh spices and aromatic herbs that grow on the island of Crete. (more…)
Crete, a beautiful island placed in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, couldn’t be less than an important center and crossroad of commercial and cultural exchanges throughout the centuries. The Cretan diet is the result of the long history of the island. It’s a real philosophy and lifestyle, aimed at harmonizing body and spirit with nature.
The study of the Minoan civilization shows a culture with pure and healthy nutritional habits. Interestingly enough, Cretan cuisine wasn’t influenced by anyone. For more than 2 millennia, Cretans have rejected the presence of conquerors by sparingly calibrating relational dynamics and avoiding foreign influences on their diet, literally keeping them away from their culture and their kitchens. (more…)
