The Secrets of monastic diet

Deep faith and simple diet. This is the secret of longevity and good health not just of the monks in Mount Athos, but also of all other monastic societies in Greece consisting of frugal ascetic figures that follow their monastic diet in earnest and without complain.

Is there any correlation between the monastic and the Mediterranean diet?
A common feature between these two nutritional models is the simple and plain diet. However, the monastic diet is far more abundant than its Mediterranean counterpart, it is followed for life and has its own secrets. First of all, the monastic cuisine is unique and healthy and has its basis on the traditional way of cooking. More importantly, the daily menu consists of just breakfast and dinner.

Two simple meals a day, but full of flavor, rich in nutrition, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes, with no distractions of conversations or any noise. This simple devotion to the meal is another secret to the monastic diet.

What do monks on Mount Athos eat?
Monks on Mount Athos eat mainly vegetables, seasonal or frozen, due to fasting. Bread produced from whole meal wheat flour, has a leading role in the daily meals.
The weekly menu is supplemented by legumes such as lentils, beans and chickpeas. During weekends and holidays, the main course changes to fresh or frozen fish. Sometimes salted cod is also included. Dairy products are also part of the monastic diet, but only on days that it is allowed. Monks also eat fresh fruit that they grow themselves and they keep refrigerated for later consumption.

Do monks include sweets in their daily menu?
Monastic diet includes both vegan or vegetarian sweets, depending on what is allowed (fasting or non-fasting periods) sweets are mainly made with sugar rather than honey, while they hardly ever use grape syrup (petimezi). Fasting halva made from sesame and sugar is the most common dessert consumed on Mount Athos.

What are the benefits of the monastic diet?
It reduces cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood.

It regulates blood sugar and blood pressure.

It protects against osteoporosis and various types of cancer.

It promotes better bowel function.

It ensures longevity and good physical condition.

It helps maintain a balanced physical condition and well-being for both body and soul.

It minimises death rates due to stomach, prostate, bowel and lung cancer.

It helps maintain a low percentage of cardiovascular related diseases.

It has anti-aging properties.

Why do they eat lunch at breakfast time?
Monks eat the main meal of the day in the morning hours of the day (at about 9 am) and they call it lunch. Dinner is served in the afternoon. This is because their daily curriculum follows the so called ‘Byzantine time’, and they go to sleep or wake up according to that. Thus, the “Byzantine time”, has a great impact on monks’ health. The day time at Mount Athos ends when the sun sets.

What compliments the above nutritional habits?
There is much more than just a balanced and careful diet that ensures longevity and good health. Small portions, high quality raw materials, abstinence from harmful habits (such as smoking), exercise, rest, natural way of life, even communal meals. All the above consist the optimum supplement for a healthy balanced life.

Do monks drink?
Monks have no need of alcohol. However, they may rarely enjoy a sip or two of raki.