Going Mediterranean

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There's an interesting tension between our modern world and the ancient world. We're fast; they were slow. Success for us is often defined by material possessions; success for them was about passing on a generational legacy. And concerning our food supply, ours is industrial, and theirs was local (and organic).

When I think of what to stock in our pantry, I often think of a continuum where the standard American diet is on the left end, and a Mediterranean diet is to the right. (When I say Mediterranean, think France, Italy, Greece, Israel.) The far right of that continuum would be a vegan diet, which is too extreme for most (although it is a perfect regimen for an occasional detox and reboot.) The best place on that continuum is somewhere right of center where we get a lot of healthy micronutients and a small amount of regular animal proteins. This is often considered a 'flexitarian' diet, or 'nutritarian' as Dr. Joel Fuhrman likes to describe it. It's not vegetarian or vegan, but has an overwhelming amount of calories coming from healthy greens, beans, fruits, berries, etc.

The challenge for us is to move our pantries along the continuum from the standard American diet's industrialized foods toward healthier (Mediterranean-style) choices. Grains would be unrefined, whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat; greens would be dark, leafy greens like romaine and kale and basil. Fats would come from olive oil an avocado. Proteins would come from beans and legumes, and some fish and shellfish.


What would your pantry and fridge look like if you moved a little further to the right on that continuum? Less processed foods, more whole grains and beans... taking some additional time to prepare your meals and linger over your eating choices? Maybe doing more of your cooking with a family member, including conversation and doing life together? These would all be good things. Maybe today is a day to grow away from industrialized foods toward more wholesome choices.

By the Way

The healthful choices at the far right of the continuum I described aren't new or radical. Veganism has its issues (being mindful of particular essential fats and vitamins which may be lacking without some animal proteins) but the benefits far outweigh any deficits. Consider Daniel from Biblical times. His story is told in the Old Testament book of Daniel; in the first chapter, we get a glimpse of his nutritional excellence that gave him and his three friends a distinct advantage. Have a look, here - it's an interesting and bold position... a power pantry position: Daniel chapter 1.