Not a pancake in sight: flip the script on Lent
New Year’s Resolutions slipped by the wayside? That’s OK, happens to the best of us, let’s embrace Lent and spring and kick start cutting those heavy or sweet foods out of your everyday diet.
It’s crazy, I can’t believe we see Easter eggs in the shops just as Christmas passes by. Maybe we can use the seasonal change and turn that tradition around in the UK to be a healthier nation.
Now, I’m not saying that the Greeks never touch sweets. They love their sweet treats and delights just like the next person but the difference here is that their overall diet is so balanced and rich in fresh fruit and vegetables it is a given that at least 4 times in the week you would have one big plate of just vegetables. A Greek Kitchen is always abundant in vegetables and fruit! So why can’t we get the gist of it here?
Slow down, spend time and savour
Maybe we are simply missing the love of slowing down and watch the world go by more often, to breath, to take in the environment you are in, to think about what grows nearby and to savour every mouthful of food and drink – something I delved into in my digestion and recipes posts.
The deliciousness of healthy food reunites us is some amazing way. Gorging on lots of chocolate on your own doesn’t and this is what our Easter egg Easter celebration in the UK has become – this isn’t healthy for our bodies or minds.
The Mediterranean mindset
Let me take you to the Mediterranean, sitting on a hillside, sunshine, fresh air, relaxed over the whole afternoon. Surrounded by family and friends, laughing, maybe shouting – as the Greeks do sometimes, Kids flying kites – idyllic and relaxing, sounds like heaven!
Καθαρά Δευτέρα – Clean Monday
“Dolmathes-stuffed vine leaves, marinated sardines, grilled red peppers, Aubergine dip.
I’m hungry just thinking about it!“
Welcome to Greek Lent which begins on 7th March. Kathari deftera and translates as Clean Monday – This is when all families and friends get together. It’s a national holiday, schools are closed and nobody works, everyone goes out to eat either in a tavern or a picnic. Enjoying beautiful Seafood-based foods; fish, no meat, no dairy, Fisherman’s style of seafood, homemade taramasalata (looks browny pink not bright pink like in the supermarkets), grilled prawns eaten cold with lots of lemon and garlic. Crab, Dolmathes-stuffed vine leaves, marinated sardines, grilled red peppers, Aubergine dip. I’m hungry just thinking about it!
Check out my Recipe on how to make a delicious Greek aubergine dip.
If the weather is gorgeous, which it often is, families go out onto the Hill side or seaside and eat there, marking the day with flying a kite. Not a pancake in sight – I know what I would prefer.
There after for 40 days and 40 nights people continue to have no meat, dairy and eggs until Easter.
Local stores and bakeries support this lent period offering alternative products meal ideas to have in the time of lent. Which is amazing! Because you and I know if you have support around you when you have a goal in mind you are more likely to achieve it. Makes sense right!
“You and I know if you have support around you when you have a goal in mind you are more likely to achieve it.”
Can you see a pattern?
Supporting you as a coach also does the same. I’m here as part of the structure of accountability, morale support and grounding for you to lean on and to guide your success of health and happiness. We all need someone in our corner to help us take the first steps, get in touch to see how we can work together on your well life journey.
In the mean time, if you need help with healthy eating, weight balance goal setting and life coaching get in touch today for a FREE 20 minute chat – https://calendly.com/varvara-coaching
