Lebanese Meze mediterranean diet and lifestyle (2024)

FAQs

What is the Mediterranean diet in Lebanon? ›

Its foundation is plant-based with vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans, and whole grains along with moderate amounts of chicken, seafood, dairy, eggs. Lebanese cuisine is among the healthiest you can make and eat as part of the Mediterranean Diet!

Historically, ingredients used in traditional Lebanese dishes are extremely nutrient-dense and beneficial to our bodies. Ingredients are also not the only element that makes Lebanese food healthy; the way Lebanese food is cooked and put together also increases its health rating.

For example, Middle Eastern dishes tend to be more heavily spiced and savory, while Mediterranean cuisine is known for a lighter touch and a focus on fresh seafood and vegetables. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but one thing is for sure- no matter which you choose, you're in for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, starches and the occasional bit of poultry are the primary focus of the Lebanese diet. These foods are more natural for the human body to consume, easier to digest and more beneficial for the body.

For Muslim's, who constitute 60% of the Lebanese population, overeating is discouraged. Permitted foods are called halal. Prohibited foods are called haram. Foods that Muslims are not allowed to eat include pork, birds of prey, and alcohol beverages.

Foods to limit on a Mediterranean diet include: Added sugar: added sugar is found in many foods but especially high in soda, candies, ice cream, table sugar, syrup, and baked goods. Refined grains: white bread, pasta, tortillas, chips, crackers. Trans fats: found in margarine, fried foods, and other processed foods.

Yes, there are several traditional Lebanese dishes that are considered healthy. Some examples include grilled kebabs, tabbouleh, fattoush, and stuffed grape leaves (warak enab). These dishes are often made with fresh, wholesome ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and lean proteins.

It is similar to Spanish tapas and Italian antipasti. A meze may be served as a part of a multi-course meal or form a meal in itself. Meze are often served with spirits such as arak, rakia, raki, oghi or grappa.

In essence, the ingredient profile of falafel is in the least unhealthy. In fact, compared to other counterparts of the food, including chicken shawarma, falafel tops the list to contain the healthiest amount of all ingredients that are required by the body.

It includes an abundance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and seafood. Poultry is eaten more often than red meat, and when red meat is eaten, it is usually lamb and goat meat. Dishes include copious amounts of garlic and olive oil, and dishes are often seasoned with lemon juice.

Why are Greek and Lebanese food so similar? ›

Shared food: The cuisines of the four countries are all influenced by the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. This has led to a shared appreciation for fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, flavorful dishes.

Hummus is one of the most well-known, healthy, and delicious Mediterranean specialties. Made from a base of blended chickpeas and garlic, hummus is a versatile Mediterranean spread commonly enjoyed alongside flatbreads (such as pita) or freshly sliced vegetables.

In the old days, says Mouzawak, "the Lebanese used to kill an animal on Sundays and on feast days. Raw meat was eaten immediately." Lebanese traditionally relied on that freshness to help guarantee the meat's safety.

An absolute staple ingredient in Lebanese cuisine is none other than the humble bulb of garlic. Crushed, minced, roasted… it is all used! The most popular way to use garlic in Lebanon is to flavour dishes such as hummus, baba ghanoush and meat marinades.

Lebanon ranked 25^th in the world and 1^st among 12 Arab countries in the top 100 cuisines worldwide report issued by Taste Atlas. جاء لبنان في المرتبة ال25 في العالم والأولى بين 12 دولة عربيّة في تقرير صادر عن موقع Taste Atlas حول أفضل مئة مطبخ حول العالم.

Lebanon is located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterlands.

This encompasses an area stretching from Spain and Portugal, across France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, to the Middle East. Thus there is no single Mediterranean diet, rather there are many diets from those areas that share certain characteristics.