Ancient Greek Dieting

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If you have been following or have even heard of the Atkins diet, you probably didn’t know that this form of diet has been used long before Dr. Atkins wrote a book about it. Not only did others use this diet, but also paired it with exercise, just as Dr. Atkins had suggested. The diet had been developed and used by the Ancient Greeks long, long ago.

Ancient Greeks followed a regimen of gymnastic exercise; trained their children with daily programs, as well as adhered to a strict diet. Similarities are seen in the Atkins diet when we take a look at what the Greek Olympians ate. They usually followed a meat-only diet. Greeks who were looked upon as ordinary, consumed fruits, vegetables, breads, as well as a lot of fish. Fish used to be the most common meat that was eaten during this time.

It was the Ancient Greek Olympians who ate a diet that resembles a low-carb, Atkin’s diet.  They ate in this way because they were interested in developing lots of muscle and they felt that meat was a necessary food item that could be used to achieve their goals. Another part of their diet consisted of protein-rich legumes, which gave them great boosts of energy.

Ancient Greeks preoccupied themselves with achieving a healthy body, sticking to a diet that improved their body and achieved an acceptable amount of exercise. They followed a low-carbohydrate daily program, completing a regular amount of exercise. By following this, they were able to lose weight and shape the body. The ancient people knew it by trying it only. No theories, no calories, no ketosis, no debates around.

If you are interested in knowing some of the ancient Greek foods that were consumed during ancient times, you will find that the list includes olives, bread, mackerel, tuna, octopus, squid, shellfish and wine. When it came to vegetables, Ancient Greeks ate onions, peas, lentils, cabbage and greens. When they craved for something sweet, they settled for fresh fruit, such as figs, dates and pomegranates and apples. Ancients Greeks did not have access to sugar during their time. They did, however, make small cakes that were sweetened with honey.

The basic Greek diet consisted of a healthy mixture of bread, goat cheese, olives and figs, dried fish, eggs, honey and diluted wine. It wasn’t until special occasions that they would feast upon sheep, goat, cattle or pig. 

There are have been tons of studies which have looked at the diet of the Ancient Greeks. Many conclusions have been made in regards to the healthiness of their meals because the population had a low rate of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Many have revealed that the diet consisted of three basic items. They were wheat/barley, olive oil and wine. Greeks also consumed minimal portions of dairy products, as well as many green vegetables, adding further to the healthy qualities of their food choices.

If you are interested in reading a little bit more on Ancient Greek dieting, exercise or diet, you should be on the look out for some of the books that can be found below:

Courtesans and Fishcakes : The Consuming Passions of Classical Athens by James Davidson

The Glorious Foods of Greece : Traditional Recipes from the Islands, Cities, and Villages
by Diane Kochilas