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Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the most popular vacation destinations in Greece. The Cretan people are known for their hospitality and vibrant culture – as well as their rich culinary traditions. The landscape of this breathtaking island contains rugged mountains and relaxing beaches, which provides Cretans with a diverse and plentiful supply of fresh produce, game and seafood, legumes, nuts and seeds. In a nutshell, the island’s culture, history and geography have all helped to develop a cuisine that is unique to Crete. Traditional Cretan cuisine contains a wide variety of fresh, wholesome ingredients that make for a very healthy diet.

Below are a few of the basic principles of the Cretan diet:
 

Use Only Fresh, Local Ingredients

Fresh, local produce is the cornerstone of the Cretan diet. The diet consists primarily of plant-based foods, including a wide array of veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and fresh herbs and spices. Most produce on the island is harvested and eaten the same day. It is essential, therefore, that anyone trying to switch to a Cretan diet buy only local produce that is in season, as fresh produce will provide maximum flavor and nutrients.
 

Consume Plenty of Olive Oil

The traditional Cretan diet relies heavily on olive oil. In fact, the average Cretan consumes nearly three times more fat than the average American; however, most of that fat comes from olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that are resistant to oxidation. The natural antioxidative properties of olive oil are thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. (Source: Science Daily).
 

Eat Meat Sparingly

Meat and fish play only a small part in traditional Cretan cuisine. Moreover, meat is typically grilled, not fried, and served in much smaller portions than what most Americans consume. To stick to this diet, therefore, you should limit the amount of red meat you consume to one meal a week, and eat fish and poultry only 2-3 times per week. There are so many delicious vegetarian Cretan dishes, however, that you likely won’t even miss the meat!

Pita Jungle is a Greek restaurant in Phoenix that offers an extensive selection of menu items that embrace these and other principles of the Cretan diet. Come discover the “The Art of Eating Healthy®” by visiting a Pita Jungle near you today!