Kiki’s 8 Takeaways from The Mediterranean Diet & Longevity Series
At the end of every episode of the Kefi Life podcast, I ask each guest my signature closing question: “In my life, I’ve learned that...”
My guest’s answers are always personal and inspiring. For this blog, I would like to reverse the question and ask myself what I learned from each guest during the Mediterranean Diet and Longevity Series.
Here are meaningful lessons I learned from each guest throughout our conversations beginning with the series kick-off and my own personal Mediterranean story growing up and working in a Greek family run restaurant.
My siblings agreed with me that working at Tassos’ showed us the broad scope of food. Foodis more than nourishment - it’s how families preserve culture and create connection.
J.P., owner of Brookhaven Market told me that the healthiest Mediterranean kitchens are stocked with simple pantry staples: extra virgin olive oil, legumes, herbs and whole grains.
Food is about sharing and connection. Vasili, the man who inspired the restaurant loved to sit at a table for hours and eat food and tell stories. The décor of the Mediterranean restaurant displayed many ofhis favorite things like the hat he was famous for wearing.
Dr Kiki, a food scientist, reported to me that olive oil has such a high level of nutritional value, but something more valuable to know is that this fruit juice has synergistic effects with other ingredients in the Mediterranean Diet.
Famous food influence and Thessaloniki native Teo is convinced thatgut heath begins with water in the morning. Think of your gut as an inner ecosystem, one that dictatesliving well over, eating certain foods. Your gut knows what to do, listen to it. Gut health is a philosophy.
SELLIA AT MIA’S RESTAURANT IN SANTORINI:
Sellia, the owner of Mia restaurant in Santorini was passionate about fava and she told us that it is a staple of the island. Fava is very versatile and good for you. This food is one of the most delicious and satisfying meat free proteins you can eat.
Erini, who is co-owner of SOFOS loves to cook, experiment and taste all her recipes. Cooking is like breathing for her and she brings her zest for the process to the quaint and popular restaurant. Erini describes SOFOS as one of the oldest and most storied restaurants in Nemea, and dining with her is an example of EVZYN-to live well, break bread and enjoy life.
TED PAPPAS - MASTER CHEF CONTESTANT:
Ted was surprised to learn that being a contestant on the Master Chef episodes was extremely fast paced. Preparing his saganaki dish for Gordon Ramsey was stressful because of the time constraints. His favorite thing about being a part of the Global Gaunlet was that each Greek recipe he prepared connected him to his grandparents and parents. The story behind the dish is just as important as the ingredients.
Lots more to learn when you tune in my friends in Kefi. The beautiful thing about podcasts is that the episodes can live forever on a platform.
Whichever one you may have missed is lovingly waiting for you today or any day!!
I would love to know if you have any favorite moments listening to the KefiLife Mediterranean Diet and longevity series.
Email: kiki@kefilife.com
Until then, Wishing you Ola Kala, all is well.
Sending you filakia-kisses,
Kiki