Category Archives: greek culture

The Mediterranean Diet is a Lifestyle

A GUEST BLOGPOST

DR ROSANNE FREAK-POLI, BSc, BHSc, PhD

Senior Researcher, Epidemiologist, Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow

Last week I was enjoying a coffee at my old local coffee shop when I struck up a conversation with Eugenia, the owner of this blog. I am a life-course epidemiologist, meaning that I am interested in factors across the life course that impact health, well-being, and longevity.

These factors may not be obvious, and much of my work is exploring new potential risk factors for chronic disease. For example, I am currently funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia to assess whether social connections with other people can prevent heart disease.

Eugenia and I soon realised our common interests in well-being and longevity. However, Eugenia taught me something very important that had escaped my attention. Eugenia was explaining the premise of her books “Greek Life” and “Greek Food For Sharing” which describe the benefits and lifestyle factors of the Mediterranean diet.

I instantly made the common mistake of thinking of the Mediterranean diet as simply the nutritional benefits provided to our bodies, but what Eugenia explained is that the Mediterranean diet is more than this, it is a way of life.

Eugenia explained that the secrets behind this way of living consist of both food and lifestyle factors. These include choosing the freshest and seasonal fruits and vegetables, consuming small quantities of nuts, dried fruits and natural yoghurt, generous amounts of olive oil, enjoying a glass or two of wine with meals and not as stand-alone events. The diet also encompasses multiple servings each week of legumes, two to three servings of seafood a week, and very limited dairy, red meat, and poultry. An abundance of herbs that are used in both cooking and for medicinal purposes, such as herbal teas.Aside from the food, the Mediterranean Lifestyle encompasses having fun, being socially connected with family and friends, laughter, and incidental exercise by way of walking, gardening or dancing. Enjoying a cup of Greek coffee that’s prepared on the stovetop using pulverised coffee, means that this brew is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, and these contribute to health and longevity.

Greeks are known to take a nap after lunch and this helps the body to rest, restore and reset. Another important lifestyle factor is the fasting rituals that include over 200 days a year where no dairy, meat or poultry is consumed, and this caloric deficit also contributes to health and wellbeing.

I’ve now learnt that these are the reasons why in some parts of Greece people enjoy longevity and good health well into their 90’s and to beyond 100. The island of Ikaria is one such place, and its been named as the island where people forget to die.

Instantly it all made sense. As researchers conducting data analysis we can only assess the variables that are available in the database. If someone is interested in nutritional content, dietary patterns, and food behaviours then they may ask a lot of specific questions about these factors. Some interests are not collected at all, and because of this we would have very little information of the ‘way of life’ that the Mediterranean diet encompasses. An example of this is reflected through much of the lifestyle choices, for example, the importance of social connections that attribute to wellbeing and longevity.

Why does it matter? The public health message that we receive is that the Mediterranean diet is the most beneficial for health. However, if someone decides to make a lifestyle change, then the Mediterranean diet definition only discusses the dietary pattern and nutritional content. Potentially the other elements as discussed above are not provided and therefore the person wanting to make the lifestyle change is not fully informed.

I can see that Eugenia’s books would be of benefit to people wanting to make a positive lifestyle change, not just for health but also for their well-being.

Greek Food For Sharing

I’m super excited to introduce my latest cookbook to you, Greek Food For Sharing; recipes that nourish the soul.

It’s filled with mouthwatering authentic Greek recipes that will tantalise the tastebuds. Take a journey through the pages of this beautiful book brought to life by evocative images that capture the beauty and sophistication of the Mediterranean and the unique flavours of Greece.

Think homemade filo pastry, Rozedes, Paximadia, Yemista, Moussaka and Pastitsio in both tradtional and vegan version for times of Lent, plus a vegan Mageritsa especially for Easter. My aromatic cinnamon rice is a family favourite, and I share with you the absolutely best Avgolemno soup, plus so much more!

Greek Food For Sharing continues the celebration and benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle. There is something for everyone including pescetarians, vegetarians, vegans, and of course those who enjoy the classic and delightful flavours of traditional Greek cuisine.

Get yours now!

Australian residents – signed copies of my book are available at these amazing stockists:-

Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park, VIC

Avid Reader, Queensland

Caras, Oakleigh, VIC

Dillon’s Bookshop, Norwood, SA

Dymocks Books, Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Dymocks Books, Glenelg, SA

Dymocks Books, Hyde Park, SA

Greek Bilingual Bookstore, NSW

Hill of Content, Melbourne, VIC

Mostly Books, Mitcham, SA

Mykos The Gift Collection, NSW

Norwood Garden Centre, SA

Once & Again Book Cafe, Plympton, SA

Omega Foods, Hindmarsh, SA

The Greek Providore, NSW

ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE LINKS BELOW

The softcover is available at Amazon Australia here.

The eBook on Amazon is available here.

The softcover is available on Amazon for those living in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Place your orders here.

Learn the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle

You may wonder what all the fuss is around the Mediterranean Diet. I’d like to share the secrets behind this way of living, and why in some parts of Greece, people enjoy longevity and good health well into their 90’s and beyond 100.

Firstly, it’s not simply a diet. More than that, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about choosing the freshest in season fruits and vegetables, enjoying a small quantities of nuts and dried fruits, generous amounts of olive oil, a glass or two of wine, multiple servings each week of legumes, two to three servings of seafood a week, and very limited dairy, red meat, and poultry.

Correctly observed, the Mediterranean Lifestyle also incorporates times of fasting. As a rule each Wednesday and Friday, plus forty days before Easter, the first 15 days of August, 40 days before Christmas, and some other dates in between. That adds up to over 200 days of the year where no dairy, meat and poultry is consumed, and on some of these days oil and wine are also not consumed.

Aside from the food, the Mediterranean Lifestyle encompasses having fun, being socially connected, laughter, dancing, gentle exercise by way of walking, gardening or dancing (did I say fun?), sipping a Greek coffee served in a demitasse cup, enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, and basking in the company of family and friends.

These lifestyle choices are at the core of my book award-winning book Greek Life. If you love Greek food, and admire Greek culture, be sure to order your copies from Amazon. Click on this link to order my books.

Greek Life belongs in the homes of families for whom Greek culture means something.

I’m Eugenia Pantahos, and I thank you for keeping the celebration alive.

xox

Beautiful Blue and White

Those who know me well also know that I have a passion for all things blue-and-white, and in my kitchen and living room especially you can see hues of this favourite colour combination, that makes me feel happy and inspired. This timeless colour palette evokes memories of the Aegean with its endless blue skies, and calm seas.

So it follows that when I brought Greek Life (family, culture, food) to life, the front cover would include this beautiful combination, in a truly authentic Hellenic theme. This timeless book inspires readers with the story of family, philosophy, beautiful photography, authentic family recipes and the principles that sit at the heart of the Mediterranean Diet.

Greek Life makes a beautiful addition to your collection, and a meaningful gift for your loved ones, and sits proudly in homes around the world. Now available as an eBook, a softcover and a hardcover. Have you got your copies yet?

The hardcover is in limited supply. You won’t want to miss out on securing copies of this high quality book. Need convincing? Read my reviews. Find a stockist nearest you or order direct from me at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

So join me as I invite you to step inside my living room and share my passion for all things blue-and-white, all set to some passionate Greek music. This little video, of course, also features my book Greek Life.

Join the celebration!

Eugenia xx

Greek Life a Self-Published Success Story

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

A little while ago, I learned that my book Greek Life, a celebration of family, culture, and food, was to be shared as an example of what a self-published book could look like. with regard to design, layout, and content. A much respected book store owner who fell in love with Greek Life when she first saw it, was the guest speaker at this event and she had chosen my book as an exemplary example of a self-published book!

What you need to know NOW about Greek Life

A book about family, culture and food by Eugenia Pantahos

My friend Doris had called me excitedly to let me know that that my book Greek Life was to be discussed at this event. Naturally I jumped at the opportunity and eagerly accepted Doris’ invitation to join her, and when I arrived I found that Doris had reserved a place for me to sit next to her . The two of us were first time authors and we listened and learned about others who had gone before us on this unknown journey of writing and publishing.

You can only imagine my surprise that Greek Life was to be showcased by such a respected person, and of course, how could I not go along to listen to what she had to say.

I sat there in awe, watching her hold up my book, and talk about not only the design elements, but also about the way in which I wrote Greek Life, describing it as tenderly written. I know that my readers express the same experience when reading Greek Life, often being moved by the story of family and the anthologies surrounding the food.

This lady was so passionate about my book, and what was amazing is that with her expertise and years of experience she instantly recognised the ‘non-negotiable’ design elements that I had envisioned for my book.

It was a moment that I won’t forget, seeing my book being held up for all to see, and certain pages shown to the audience. Seeing this through the eyes of an audience member, but also as the author, was surreal and humbling. I felt quietly proud to have my book discussed so passionately.I was simply amazed that my book had been chosen for this event, and thank Charmaine from Mostly Books for her heartfelt and professional views.

Eugenia Pantahos is bringing her book Greek Life to Canberra. Join her as she shares her story. Signed copies of this limited edition book available on the night. Don't miss out!!!

Greek Life – a self publishing success story

When bringing Greek Life to life, my vision was to publish a book of the highest quality, one that created a celebration around Greek culture, and one that was supported by thought inspiring philosophy and beautiful photography. Choosing the final fonts and colour schemes, and the placement of images in a meaningful way, meant that Greek Life is now regarded as the foremost book on Greek culture. That’s something I’m truly proud of.

Join those around the world who have placed Greek Life at the heart of their homes. Learn about the essence of the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle that is celebrated through seasonal and delicious food both for times of celebration and for observing cultural events. Be moved by the story of family and migration, and harness your inner domestic god or goddess as you experience ‘real’ Greek food. Expand your thinking with thought inspiring philosophy, and take an intimate journey with me through the pages of Greek Life.

If you would like to watch this short 2 minute expose start listening from 19 minutes in 🙂

I hope you enjoy this little clip!

Eugenia xox

Greek Life Soft Cover on the Best Seller List

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

I have some AMAZING news to share! I have just learned that my humble, yet beautiful and timeless book Greek Life that was originally written for my immediate family as a personal memoir and cultural cookbook….is sitting at No. 32 at the Best Seller List on Amazon in the category of Greek cookbooks!!

No. 32 is not just one of my favourite scents, but its now the number that Greek Life is sitting at on the Best Seller List…..sorry did I just type that again? I’m really excited!!!

This is a shiny, bright, and exciting little bit of news that has made me feel so proud. You see, Greek Life was going to be a family book, and its not until I had the courage to say ‘out loud’ that I had written this book that peoples positive responses encouraged me to pursue the idea that Greek Life could be a truly valuable book that belongs in families for which Greek culture means something, for Phil-hellenes, for foodies, lovers of culture, the thinkers, the cooks, and those who love photography.

Fast forward just a couple of years, much serendipity, heaps of commitment, a clear vision, loads of strategy and relationship building, and backing myself even when at times the journey seemed larger than life…..and in what some may see as an instant…..Greek Life has been embraced internationally by readers in all corners of the globe. The release of the softcover edition has made it possible for this to happen.

A huge THANK YOU to each and everyone of you, who added my book to your collection. I hope that it means as much to you as it means to the readers who have contacted me to let me know just how they feel about Greek Life. I’m eternally grateful.

Eugenia xox

Greek Life – people tell me it’s the best!

Welcome to GL!

When I embarked on my self-publishing journey I soon realised that this small business venture of mine as a first time author also needed much focus and dedication to get my book into the right businesses. The types of business that were well know for their great customer service, their professionalism, offering a great mix of genres, and who were quite simply ‘great operators’. I knew intimately, that my book Greek Life was to be stocked in only the best stores in Australia.

With that in mind, I went firstly to the stores that I shopped in here in South Australia, and was overjoyed when these wonderful bookstore managers agreed to stock Greek Life. My list of stockists grew steadily in SA, Victoria, and New South Wales, and before I knew it my first print run had sold out.

I then pondered the idea of a reprint. Well how could I not go down this path with over 200 books on back-order? And so, the second print run, that was slightly delayed due to personal commitments, was eventually delivered a few days before Christmas.

My back orders were filled just in time for the festive season and there was something quite satisfying knowing that I hadn’t let people down. You see, my word is my calling card!

This now gave me the wonderful opportunity to seek stockists in other states in Australia, and soon Greek Life would be stocked in a few more shops in Melbourne, and new markets would be found in Queensland, Tasmania, and WA. I’m delighted that Greek Life can now be found in almost each state and territory within Australia.

My next goal is to have Greek Life stocked in the Northern Territory! With only limited stock available, it would be wonderful for all people across Australia for whom Greek culture means something, to be able to secure copies of Greek Life for their families, friends, and loved-ones.

Within its pages, readers will go on a remarkable journey with the story of family and migration, and join the unique, beautiful and inimitable celebrations that surround New Years, Easter, Christmas, Love and Other Ceremonies, Births and Baptisms, and Honoring our Loved Ones. At the core is the philosophy of the Greek way of life that encompasses the benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle, plus so much more.

Interwoven within its pages, is thought inspiring philosophy and beautiful and sumptuous full colour photography. Greek Life transports readers through a visual and culinary journey like no other!

Greek Life is the perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, kitchen teas, Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentines Day and more. So love the one you’re with, and give the gift that keeps giving.

Eugenia xx

A sneak peak into Greek LIfe

A book about family, culture and food by Eugenia Pantahos

Greek Life hardocover available nationally in Australia

Get your copy of Greek Life from a stockist nearest you!

Greek Life and Boston, USA

Welcome to GL!

Last month, Greek Life was featured in an online newspaper in the City of Boston, Massachusetts. I was so happy to see the publication, and truly sometimes I simply feel amazed by the support that I’ve received to date.

For the lovely people in Boston and beyond, If you would like to join the celebration that is Greek Life, than please visit my website where you can find links to the softcover version of Greek Life that celebrates family, culture, and food.

Within its pages, you will find mouthwatering recipes for the food prepared when observing cultural traditions, delicious and nutritious Lenten food, seafood, meat, and celebration foods, interwoven with thought inspiring philosophy, and beautiful full colour photography that takes readers on an intimate journey through the Greek way of life.

Greek Life is like no other cookbook. It is filled with cultural traditions and explains the when, why, and how of observing the timeless and meaningful Greek traditions. Be transported by the story of family as it unfolds, and be inspired by the Mediterranean Diet/Lifestyle and the healthy way of eating that is respected the world over as the most desirable and beneficial way of eating and enjoying life.

The Meditteranean Diet, image property of Eugenia Pantahos. Copright. Not to be used under any circumstances.

Eating the Greek way!

The Mediterranean Diet is more than food, it is a lifestyle that encompasses socialising, working, incidental exercise through gardening and dancing, enjoying coffee, oh and a few glasses of wine, eating seasonally, having very little dairy, enjoying seafood, but having limited meat.

It is mostly a vegetarian and vegan way of life especially when observing times of Lent and fasting.

Of course there are times that are celebrated throughout the calendar year, and we all know what that looks like! A Greek Feast, is like no other. Tables set with the most colourful assortment of food usually dressed in olive oil, lemon juice and oregano (or other homegrown herb) , aromatically prepared and slow cooked meats, mouthwatering sweets, wine, the elixir of the gods, and lots of kefi!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your copies of Greek Life at Amazon now and join the celebration that is called Greek Life!

Eugenia xx

Canberra launch of Greek Life

Canberra launch of Greek Life!

As some of you may remember, Greek Life was to be a private book written especially for my family and extended family. Then everything changed when I had the courage to say out loud that I had written a book. It was no longer locked away in the corners of my mind, or in a document on my laptop.

Bringing Greek Life to the lovely city of Canberra!

When I first embarked on the journey of bringing Greek Life to the public, I could only imagine some of the possibilities that lay ahead. I knew intimately that relationships are everything not just in our personal lives, but also in our professional lives. I’ve had so many wonderful people, too numerous to mention here, but nonetheless, these amazing individuals expanded my circle, introduced me to others who could open doors, and before I knew it, the community took notice, and I was book signing, being invited to give speeches, having a few gigs at being an MC, plus so much more.

In May this year, I shared my story with the lovely people in Sydney at a Taste of Greece Lunch. It was a wonderful experience and I got to meet some amazing people, who came along to listen about how Greek Life came to be. We have all become friends, and share and like each others posts on social media. Together we are celebrating the new friendships and in this modern age, it means we can connect, and stay in touch, even from afar.

Greek Life in Canberra with Eugenia Pantahos

Canberra, I’m bringing Greek Life to you x

This month, I’m bringing the story of my book, and sharing the journey with the lovely folk in Canberra. This event has been arranged with the Hellenic Club of Canberra, through a mutual contact from Sydney. I’m truly thrilled to be coming along to Canberra, and can’t wait to meet you all there!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your copies of the timeless book Greek Life, available exclusively in Canberra for this event. I’ll be signing books on the night too!

Please like and share this post. There is now limited stock of Greek Life, and I know you won’t want to miss out!

Eugenia xx