Greek Australian chef and author, Maria Benardis writes for the famous website MindBodyGreen.com about the 5 health lessons anyone can learn from the Greeks. MindBodyGreen is a website that aims to revitalize the way people eat, move, and live.

The word «diet» comes from the ancient Greek “diaita,” which means «the way of life.» In Ancient Greece, a diet was about good health, not radical weight loss or getting into a certain outfit.

Below are five health tips culled from the wisdom of the ancient Greeks:

1. Adopt a Mediterranean diet.

As was inscribed on the temple of Apollo at Delphi, “Nothing in excess.» The Mediterranean diet is based on eating everything in moderation and to “let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food,” as Hippocrates said. The Mediterranean diet is high in fruit and vegetables, legumes, unrefined cereals, dairy products (mainly cheese, such as goat’s and sheep’s cheeses, and yogurt), and olive oil is the principal oil. Fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate quantities, and meat is eaten only occasionally. This diet focuses on a high healthy fat intake (olive oil, nuts and seeds) and a low intake of unhealthy fats (animal fats). Their intake of high energy food such as fruit and vegetables is greater than the intake of low energy foods such as meat, fish and poultry. Honey and grape must are the key sweeteners, and are preferred to white sugar.

2. Cook with wholesome ingredients.

Use ingredients that come from a place of “agapi” (Greek word for unconditional love). For me, this means local, certified organic and sustainable produce that’s in season. Use good oils for your dishes. Some good sources of oils include extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, walnut oil, and coconut oil. You should also consume probiotic foods such as Greek yogurt and fermented vegetables to ensure good gut health; they’re called “probiotic” because they are “for life.”

3. Adopt healthy and happy thoughts.

Those who approached the Oracle at Delphi were encouraged to have “good thoughts”. An excess of unhappy thoughts can cause an imbalance in the body and lead to many illnesses. Inner balance and agapi cannot coexist with worry, stress, anger, frustration, fear, anxiety and competitiveness. These feelings or experiences do not create good feelings or good energy when cooking, eating or for our health. Ultimately, we are responsible for our health and well-being, so it’s important to substitute fear with faith.

4. Moderate exercise.

According to Hippocrates, “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” Incorporate at least half an hour exercise each day for good health and vitality. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and to lower blood pressure.

5. Eat with peace and calm.

Another important eating practice for good health and longevity is to eat with peace, calm and joy. It is important not to rush meal times. In Greece, people leave their work for lunch to go home and to enjoy the meal with their families and friends. When we rush our eating time it interrupts the harmony, the flow of energy and the time needed to enjoy a meal that in the end will nourish and heal our body and soul.