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The Unique Greek Fast: Semi-Vegetarian, Appetizing and Healthy

ByElena Paravantes, MS, RD

So the fasting season has started. Basically we are supposed to avoid animal products (meat, dairy, fish) until Easter. The word “fasting” is usually associated with liquid only diets or other strict ways of eating. This type of fasting however, is a bit more lenient and tasty. The Christian Greek Orthodox fasting practice is unique in that you can actually eat real food. While other religious fasting practices may promote an unbalanced way of eating, this fast has been studied and has specific health benefits.

Research shows that individuals who follow a Greek Orthodox fast have a lower intake of saturated fat, total fat and calories and a higher intake of fiber, a combination that protects from heart disease and cancer. In addition, studies have shown the non-animal protein sources such as legumes and nuts are healthier than animal protein sources due to their fiber and antioxidant content, but also effective for weight loss due to their low fat content. Deficiencies are rare with this pattern of eating. A study by British and Greek researchers showed that individuals who were following a Greek Orthodox fast, actually had higher levels of iron intake compared to those who were not fasting.

The traditional fasting rules do not allow the use of olive oil and wine during the week and only on the weekends one can consume them. So Monday through Friday dishes without olive oil called alathota (without oil) are consumed. These meals consist of potatoes, pasta or rice, beans, boiled wild greens, vegetable casseroles made without the olive oil and of course fruit. The only animal products allowed are shellfish, octopus and calamari. Tahini is used as a source of fat. During the weekends olive oil and wine is allowed.

In recent years there are very few people that avoid animal products for 40+ days and it is a rare event when someone avoids olive oil during the week. Mostly Christian Greek Orthodox nuns and monks follow a strict religious fast, which when you think about it, isn’t that strict after all. Today most people only fast the week before Easter, and it’s hardly a test of self-restraint since there are so many products out on the market such as “vegetarian” cheese, chocolate, milk (soy, rice) etc. that it’s no longer a fast. Avoiding animal products just for the sake of avoiding them while replacing them with other substitutes misses the point, not only spiritually but also nutritionally. The health benefits of the Greek Orthodox fast come from the increased intake of fruits, vegetables, beans and good fats from nuts, seeds and olive oil and a lower intake of calories. Unfortunately a diet rich in processed foods even if they have no animal products in them will not provide the expected benefits.

A strict fast without olive oil may not be feasible for most of us, but it’s worth trying to follow a vegetable based diet with a hint of seafood. Greeks may believe it’s good for your soul, but science says that it’s good for your health.

Photo by Karen Blumberg for flickr

Elena Paravantes, MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist by the U.S. Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). She is an expert on the Mediterranean Diet. She has been active as a clinician, consultant, author and lecturer for 20 years, both in the U.S. and Greece. An expert on the Greek Mediterranean Diet, her interviews and articles have been published in many publications including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Prevention, NPR, and Shape. Elena has collaborated with a number of organizations including Loyola University, Yale University, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and the American College of Greece. Elena earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds has a Master’s Degree of Science in Health Management.

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5 Comments

  1. Thank you! I have stumbled a bit trying to figure out which are separate Posts and which are comments to this one, but I really appreciate you diving into this subject. A student of “fasting” (we have to put it in quotes nowadays:-) for over 40 years, I am new at being a Christian and very interested in the traditional dieting/fasting practices. (Also a long time fan of yours and total Greek diet advocate… I feel like we already have such a long history I almost forget to give context:-) Thanks again!

    Dennis

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  2. Your statement that most Orthodox Christians don’t follow the fast is incorrect. The majority in the parishes I know do follow the fast guidelines for the types of food allowed, and do fast for all of Great Lent, not just the last week.

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    2. The majority may not follow it, but it is a prerequisite for those who have the capacity to fast to do so. This is non-negotiable as it helps fight against the passions, builds prayer value and increases your spiritual awareness through God’s grace. Most so called “orthodox” don’t live the way of life Christ himself taught us. Too bad for them. We as Orthodox keep it.

  3. Thank you for clarifying the olive oil issue. I’ve seen fasting rules that say olive oil is excluded but have also seen Lenten recipes that call for it.

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