The Greek Diet, by Chef Maria Loi

Ancient Greeks ate for pleasure, regularly enjoying wine and rich ingredients like olive oil and honey with their legendary feasts. The Greeks were known for their Adonis-like physiques, and their bodies were immortalized in sculpture as a standard of beauty and sensuality. Today, centuries later, new studies prove that the Mediterranean diet, with its trademark staples like wine, yogurt, and coffee, is the healthiest food plan in the world. Research shows that it is especially noted for reducing the risk of diabetes, improving heart health, and sharpening the mind with foods rich in omega-3s. Now, in The Greek Diet, world-renowned chef Maria Loi—who grew up in a small Greek village where she learned to cook from family recipes—has teamed up with veteran health-journalist Sarah Toland, and the two have combined their individual areas of expertise to bring the weight-loss and health benefits of the traditional Greek diet straight to your table.

Structured around the twelve Pillar Foods of the Mediterranean diet, The Greek Diet offers easy-to-follow meal plans to jump-start your weight loss and improve your overall health, including one hundred authentic, mouthwatering Greek recipes using whole foods and unprocessed ingredients. The plans can be modified to fit any lifestyle, including gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives. Also included are tips for incorporating exercise and improving sleep—both metabolism boosters—into your Greek lifestyle. On this diet, there is no starving; no calorie counting; no long, grueling hours at the gym; and no restrictive plans that force you to give up foodie favorites like carbs, caffeine, or alcohol.

More than just a weight-loss plan, The Greek Diet is a path back to health and a way of eating that is not only sustainable but completely satisfying and enjoyable. Once you learn how good it tastes (and how good you’ll feel) eating Greek, you’ll never want or need another diet again. So go ahead and indulge; your body and your taste buds will thank you.