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Losing Weight with the Greek Diet?

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GreekGirlCooks

GreekGirlCooks

Member
I have a good twenty pounds to lose. I went to Greece recently for about two weeks and lost five pounds when I was there. I walked a lot, but also felt like I ate more than normal.

Now I am back form my trip and I have gained it all back.

The key to my losing weight is in those Greece trips. I don't feel like much is different when I am home, other than maybe the food supply? I am just not sure how to live at home like I do in Greece.

Has anyone else noticed this weight loss while in Greece phenomenon, and have you figured out how to continue the momentum when you get back from a trip?
 
You probably did more walking than you do at home . Most foods in Greece are organically grown thus more delicious and more satisfying
Try a Mediterranean diet
One book I use is :
Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Solution
Written by Julene Stassou MSRD
It’s excellent
 
Rhea said:
You probably did more walking than you do at home . Most foods in Greece are organically grown thus more delicious and more satisfying
Try a Mediterranean diet
One book I use is :
Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss Solution
Written by Julene Stassou MSRD
It’s excellent
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice! You are right about the walking - I checked my Fitbit and I got a good 5000-6000 steps more in Greece per day than I did at home. Hmmm- that might be a good place to start - build the habit of more walking, work on using cleaner ingredients, and start cooking more mediterranean/Greek foods at home.
 
I agree about the walking but I also feel that the food is cleaner. I would look for cleaner foods and gravitate towards that kind of lifestyle - clean eating, Mediterranean ingredients, etc.
 
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Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Cumin in Greek Cooking?

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Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.
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