Greek Ikarian Diet for Long Life

Here’s my brief run down on a current, very popular topic: How a Greek Ikarian diet can help you be healthier and live longer. I Googled “Greek Ikarian diet”, and got over 35,000 results.  There have been a lot of articles about the “Mediterranean diet” for some time, but now because of a new book by Dan Buettner, The Blue Zones,  it is getting a lot of buzz. Particularly because of the longevity of the population on the Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea.

Map of Ikaria

So, for those of us who aren’t so fortunate to live in this paradise, we can at least try to eat like the Ikarian people do. That means eating more leafy greens, beans and lentils, cooking with olive oil, avoiding processed foods, and over-eating. We should eat meat less frequently and in much smaller portions. Eat the smallest meal of the day in the late afternoon or evening. Here’s the best part: Drink alcohol moderately and regularly, 1-2 glasses a day!Ikarian home outdoor dining

I have been a big fan of Chef Diane Kochilas for quite some time. I have made and shared her recipes on this blog. Some day I’d like to attend her vacation cooking school on the island of Ikaria.

In 2012 at TEDx Athens,  she talked about how to eat like a Greek, the nutrition of the Ikarian diet, and how all of this could be used to renew Greece’s place in the global community. It’s one of my favorite TED Talks.

Enjoy the video, and kali orexi!

Greece – World Cup 2014

Yesterday’s Costa Rica vs Greece – World Cup 2014 soccer game was amazing. Team Hellas made history. They reached the last 16 for the first time. But in a penalty shootout they were defeated by Costa Rica.Greece - World Cup 2014
Antonis Samaras, Greece’s Prime Minister, sent the team a telegram that said: “Greeks are proud of our national team. Congratulations to all the boys.” I’m still super proud of the team! Bravo boys!

There were so many funny images on social media about the World Cup. What do you think of Christ the Redeemer wearing a Greek soccer jersey! Ellas Ellas Ellas!

 

FIFA World Cup Soccer – GREECE!

Greece's historic Group C victory over Côte d'Ivoire

ICYMI this happened yesterday. What a game! Greece’s historic World Cup Soccer Group C victory over Côte d’Ivoire. Samaris is on his knees after scoring the winning penalty kick.

Greece's historic Group C victory over Côte d'Ivoire

Here are some highlights of the game courtesy of 2014 FIFA World Cup site. Next game Greece plays Costa Rica on June 29th. #GoGreece!