The Cretan Diet, Six weeks to healthy eating. Week two

Breakfasts and unexpected pitfalls

I am a believer in doing what suits you best. Breakfast is an important meal of the day but if you really can't face it don't worry about it - unless missing it sends you running for a cake mid morning. In that case plan accordingly and have a healthy snack at the ready for that time! The traditional Cretan breakfast is said to be " A Greek coffee, a Tsigoudia  (raki) and a cigarette."

 - Not recommended!

Yoghurt with fruit and nuts ( honey too if you have a sweet tooth) and a fresh fruit juice is a good option. Walnuts are an  excellent source of vitamin E, good for the heart. This is not necessarily a low calorie option if you are watching your weight so be careful of portion sizes and go for a low fat yoghurt if you are home. Crete has a wonderful selection of local yoghourts  - cows, sheep and goats so try different ones and indulge if you are not weight watching.  Orange juice is higher in calories than you might expect too - the whole fruit is better for you and don't drink too many in one day.

Crete has an abundance of walnut trees. They keep better in the shell - if you buy ready shelled you must keep them in the fridge and use them fairly quickly.

For breakfast or a snack to could try dakos - Paximadi (dried bread which you dampen quickly under the tap) topped with crushed or grated, tomato feta or mizithra cheese and a splash of oil and oregano

Bread is not bad for you - it is the toppings and the dipping you have to watch - Fresh bread with some lovely local Graviera cheese is a super start to the day

Cheese pies - even if you make them yourself- are delicious but high in calories and fat - and can you stop at one?

Coffee and cake?  Save this for a special treat.

Porridge oats and muesli are easily available here - I would buy the oats and add dried fruit and nuts to make your own. I have also come across a "Quakeropitta" at the cafe bar "Streat" in Chania. To see my review of "Streat"please click here

An oatcake with fresh fruit and nuts

Enjoy the abundance of fresh seasonal fruit

 A roll and crisps - Well, leave the crisps and make sure the filling is not fatty and processed

A word about coffee.

One thinks of the local Greeks as having endless coffees in their hands. In fact this is unusual. Most people will have a coffee first thing - always washed down with water  and then perhaps one more during the day, be it frappe, filter or traditional. They may drink mountain tea in the winter - again usually only one.  If you can't face the day without your coffee try having your usual coffee in the morning and then moving to decaf for the rest o the day. The main pitfall is the amount of sugar you may consume without realising. Try to wean yourself off if you can.

For those of you who have expressed an interest in losing weight while eating healthily here in Crete I am working on something special for you. Please  let me know if you want to be included and haven't already.