03/14
The Depth and Culture of Mediterranean Cuisine
The Mediterranean is a diverse region filled with people with a passion for food. Over the course of thousands of years, they have crafted unique and flavorful foods that are both healthy and delicious. There’s more to Mediterranean cuisine than just the food though.
Mediterranean cuisine also centers around a series of customs that are associated with their food. It’s not just eating, it’s a way of eating—and studies show the way people in the Mediterranean eat may have an impact on how long they live. In this article we will take a look at three of those additional habits.
They Eat Together
Mediterranean food isn’t meant to be eaten alone. Eating together is a big part of the culture, and studies show that it may have benefits beyond the nutrition of the food. Teenagers that regularly eat meals with their parents have better overall eating habits.
People who eat together also feel less lonely, and often have fewer incidents of depression. That means eating together makes you feel better.
There’s something about sitting down with family to catch up, talk about your problems, or laugh over a shared joke. Only about 30% of people share at least one meal a day with their family. By bringing this number up we can make the world a happier, healthier place.
If You Do Have To Eat Alone, Do It Right
When you’re home alone, what do you eat? Most likely, it’s pretty boring. You might scrape together some cheese and crackers or microwave a TV dinner. Why go to all the trouble to prepare a meal if you’re the only one who is going to eat it?
The healthiest food is fresh though, and Mediterranean people know this. When they eat by themselves, it’s often just as rich and healthy as if they were cooking for the whole family.
Although it might seem like a waste of time to put out the good China just for yourself, it’s worth doing. Valuing yourself is a critical step in making sure you eat right every day—and also that you feel worthy.
Take Time to Live
Americans have a very fast paced culture, and work is a big part of that. In the Mediterranean, this way of living is reversed. Mediterranean people work to live, not the other way around. This can have a huge, positive impact on health if Americans choose to adopt this too.
When work is over, let it be over. Relax and enjoy your food, enjoy an evening out, enjoy a great sunset. Life is worth living, and Mediterranean people make sure everything from their meals to their weekends are relaxing and enjoyable.
The Mediterranean developed so many great dishes because of how passionate the people there are about food. It’s possible to adopt this way of living wherever you are, by taking time to slow down, relax, and enjoy your life.
Mediterranean food is beautiful not just because of the flavors, because of the care and passion that went into that meal from farm to table.