Mediterranean Diet & Philosophy

Comparisons made of the diet and lifestyle of Americans in the 1960s and those of the Mediterranean were linked to some important health benefits attributed to those living in the Mediterranean region, including an increased life expectancy. 

Claims of these benefits continue to accumulate in both scientific journals and the popular press.  Even when taken up in middle age, it is evident that  there is a reduced risk in heart disease, stroke, some cancers, Type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, memory problems, dementia and depression, observed amongst those who adopt a traditional Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.  Additional to such health benefits, the mainly plant based, local, seasonal food integral to the diet is is generally inexpensive and leaves a comparatively small carbon foot print.

The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are strongly linked to social interaction within families and communities, communal cooking and dining, the activities surrounding local agricultural and fishing, gardening and physical movement such as walking and dancing; Being outdoors, eating seasonally locally grown food, enjoying nature, and not over indulging in food, alcohol or the excesses of a modern world. 

The traditional food of the Mediterranean is fresh, colourful and varied, it is simply cooked, unpretentious and delicious to eat.  It delivers meals rich in healthy fats such as olive oil, small bony fish, a small amount of meat, dairy and eggs, barely any simple sugars, plenty of nuts, seeds, grains and legumes, herbs and spices, and lots of locally grown, seasonal fruit and vegetables.  

I know it sounds utopian but it does not need to be as far out of reach as you think. There are a lot of motivators to reconsider how we live and eat.

There is more to Mediterranean cooking than just recipes. There is a whole philosophy of food and eating - a sensibility that is packaged in how to plan, shop, cook, eat and live. Our content is designed to demystify home cooking by exposing you to a wide variety of seasonal ingredients and gastronomic knowledge that will empower you to be a more confident home cook and an informed consumer

Our weekly class format of cooking together to create a meal that everyone sits down to enjoy is one of the most cherished elements of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. These ever popular courses are practical, fun, social un-intimidating and a wonderful opportunity to master the basics of home cooking.

You will be left loaded with achievable ideas for colourful and healthy snacks, school and work lunches, weeknight dinners and entertaining.

For many of us, changing how we eat, spending time with friends and family, engaging with the seasons and with our environment, is the first step towards us moving towards a happier, healthier being.  Often learning how to cook the Mediterranean way is a great place to start.  

In the classes that we offer you will learn about the importance of local, seasonal produce, discover the traditional ingredients of the Mediterranean, the pleasure of cooking with others and the communal aspect of the table.

The skills that you develop may even become something that you are later able to share with others.