When most people in America think of Jewish food they think of gefilte fish, brisket, kugel and chopped liver. These are staples of the Ashkenazi Jewish diet that are not usually the healthiest. Lots of white carbs, schmaltz (chicken fat) and very few fresh vegetables were available in Eastern Europe so they made do with what they had and those foods became part of our culture and tradition. In Israel you will find some of these foods in certain neighborhoods, but the prevailing diet is actually a Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet truly is the best. Don’t take my word for it, according to ratings announced by U.S. News & World Report, it was rated number one diet for the fifth year in a row. It always wins because it is nutritionally sound, includes a variety of foods, doesn’t require counting calories, is filling and has proven health benefits. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional way of eating in the countries that border the Mediterranean sea, which includes Israel. These diets are somewhat diverse, but what they all have in common is that they are high in fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seafood and lots of extra virgin olive oil.
When you come to Israel you will see even the street food is loaded with vegetables. What makes the best falafel stand is only partially based on the actual falafel they make, but mostly based on how well they make and present the range of salads we use to fill up our pitas. The most popular dessert is halva, a naturally gluten free candy made from ground sesame seeds. Seasonal fruits are a big part of the culture in Israel too, which makes each fruit's season an exciting time because you literally can’t get it the rest of the year.
Overall, the Israeli diet and way of eating is one of the healthiest, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Western influences and modern times mean things are always changing and Israelis are eating more American style fast food like Mcdonalds and more soft drinks than ever before. Whereas fresh roasted nuts and seeds used to be the snacks of choice, now the stores are filled with different varieties of chips and snacks. Still they are leading the way in Vegan food, considered the most vegan friendly country by some.
The Mediterranean diet wins all the awards mostly due to its underlying plant-based principles. Israeli cuisine is loaded with inspiration to eat a more plant based diet. So stock up on chickpeas, bulgur, tahini, and olive oil and pick up all the fresh veggies you can. Let the Israeli diet inspire you to a healthier lifestyle.
