The Cretan Diet, Six weeks to healthy eating. Week three - lunches

The Cretan diet offers many delicious options for lunches - some need to be watched though if you are keeping an eye on your waistline!

This wonderful salad from Psaros Taverna includes bacon and strawberries an unusual combination with worked really well and was served in a tasty parmesan basket. A special treat only! The parmesan basket and the dressing help make this dish rather high in calories and, if you are like me, way to tasty to leave any!

Greek salad is a good option. The olive oil helps your body to absorb the nutrients. Beware of dipping bread in the oil though if you are watching your fat or calorie intake!

Feta and watermelon salad with cherries and basil - protein, lycopene, vitamins and did you know that cherries are a natural painkiller?

Dakos- locally known as "Koukouvia" which actually means "Owl" - so if you see "Owl" on a menu, do not panic! Dried bread - moistened, crushed tomato, feta or mizythra cheese and topped with oil and oregano. A great snack.

Winter lunches may include Blackeyed beans with fennel

. Gigantes - giant beans - or other pulses. Delicious and nutritious. 

Stuffed vegetables

Green beans in tomato sauce

Experiment with flavours. Here is a Greek salad with avocados and sliced fennel root.

Taromsalata. 

This can be very salty so be careful if you are watching your salt intake-it also usually has  a fair amount of oil in it too

Green salad with olives

Stuffed vine leaves. 

These can be stuffed with rice, or include meat too.

Tuna salad

Tsatsiki

This often includes oil - when making it at home I never include oil and it is fine.

Ceasar salad from the Cotton Club 

A special treat only I am afraid as, delicious as it is, it is high fat because of the Bacon, cheese and the dressing

Homemade Mediteranean tart 

The topping is all pretty healthy but watch the amount of pastry you consume!

Grilled chicken souvlaki- a great option, especially with a salad

Pitta Gyros

Tasty as they are these are not a healthy option. Have them and enjoy them - but sparingly!

All in all, moderation in all things. Try flavours, enjoy new tastes, experiment. But watch out for the pitfalls - dipping bread in sauce, the ubiquitous chips, salads with fatty dressings - the watchword is sparingly.

Ten easy lunch ideas here