WIAW: The Mediterranean Edition

Hi Folks. Guess what today is? If you correctly guessed “What I Ate Wednesday,” then you are very smart and get a gold star with sparkles. If you’re new to this party, well then grab your leggings, your largest bangles, your highest heels and get ready to get down: Mediterranean style. After you finish breaking it down, head on over to Peas and Crayons and give Jenn some love for hosting the party.

“What are the benefits of a Mediterranean diet?” you ask.

Basically, it “reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mediterranean-diet/CL00011

How’s that for bad ass? The real reason I love the Mediterranean Diet is because it taste great (less filling), is herbivore friendly and heavy on the veggie loving (sorry Paleo’s).

Every so often, I go on these little food kicks, and it’s generally because my body is craving whatever vitamins and nutrients are in the foods I’m fixated on. At least this is what my non-medical background would suggest. Remember when I was cuckoo for coco puffs? Oh wait, it was spinach, and Fergie and I just can’t get enough. “Boy I think about it every night and day. I’m addicted wanna jump inside your (greens). I wouldn’t wanna have it any other way I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough.”

Well, this past weekend, I was craving all things Mediterranean, and truthfully I blame Jessie over at her place, where she loves to run. You see Jessie is going to explore the Greek Islands, and I’m doing a guest post while she’s gone. In order to get in the correct frame of mind for the post, I had to review some of my own vacation pictures when the Hubby and I explored Athens and then relaxed on the cool island of Santorini. It was a picturesque and magical vacation (especially Santorini), and I’m sad to say, I’m no longer allowed back in the country…not unless I pay the ridiculously expensive subway fine (it’s a crazy story, which involves an overzealous Metro cop).

In any event, perusing through our pictures make me crave the simple, yet impactful flavors of the Mediterranean. So that’s what I explored this weekend. And when I think Mediterranean, I picture these flavors: feta cheese, tomatoes: sun-dried and beefsteak, garlic, red onions, olive oil, and artichokes.

If any of these items are out-of-place, I am horrible at geography and cannot be held accountable for misrepresentations. However, I can confirm my cooking concoctions were crazy good. So hop on the Mediterranean boat and let’s get it on, Marvin Gaye style.

Pizza, pizza, pizza…on a whole wheat herb crust smothered in all the deliciousness mentioned above. And because I was stuck on this fabulous flavor combo…

Whole wheat penne with kalmata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, mozzarella and artichoke hearts….it was so good I might have licked the bowl clean (I actually did – I have no shame).

And since no Mediterranean diet would be complete without fruits and veggies.

In my next post, I will do shadow puppets with fruit…ok, not really.

A massaged Kale salad, or Kale two ways (too bad this wasn’t in last week’s Big “O” edition).

Classic green salad with romaine lettuce, green peppers, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, a hard-boiled egg, and Asiago cheese.

And I might have changed my morning smoothie from fruits to veggies.

More on this tomorrow….ya like that, it’s a teaser. I learned it from the Housewives of every county.

And for the grand finale, Oscar says, “Good Night,” or “Meow” or whatever little six-week old kitty cats say. By the way, he is a boy, and he weighs in at 1 pound, 1 ounce. Good stuff. It’s all unicorns and kittens over here.

Do you like to relive vacations through food? What’s your favorite vacation spot for eating?