By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist Bright and festive "Happy New Year" message In Greek Orthodox culture, the New Year is more than a calendar change. It ’s a moment of spiritual reset, intentional living, and mindful nourishment. Rooted in tradition and faith, Greek Orthodox New Year customs naturally align with many principles modern nutritionists encourage today, such as moderation, balance, reflection, and respect for the body. Fasting Before

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist A cozy Christmas scene features a festive table adorned with a Panettone dusted with powdered sugar, surrounded by holiday decorations, pinecones, and twinkling lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Merry Christmas 🤍 This Christmas, I’m reflecting not just on the joy of the Nativity, but on how the Nativity Fast quietly reshaped my relationship with food, health, and my own body. Going into the fast, I

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist Stunning stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes illuminate the serene interior of a historic church, enhancing its peaceful and spiritual ambiance. As Christmas approaches, Christians around the World enter a season of preparation. But depending on one’s tradition, that preparation can look very different. In the West—among Roman Catholics, many Protestants, and some Anglicans—the season is known as Adven

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist Christmas scene As we step forwards from week 2 to 3 of the Orthodox Nativity Fast, we find ourselves at a unique point in the journey—far enough from the beginning to feel the challenge, yet still with enough distance from the Feast to long for the joy of Christ’s birth. This is the week where the initial excitement settles, routines are tested, and the heart is invited into deeper work. How Last Week Went Last

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist Christmas Fayre's are a great way of getting into the festive spirit with the family. As we journey deeper into the Nativity Fast, I’ve found myself reflecting on the rhythms of last week—both the things that went well and the places where I’m hoping to grow. Fasting isn’t only about food; it’s about building discipline, cultivating gratitude, and creating space for prayer. Still, food very much shapes the experie

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist Cozy table setting with candles, decorative leaves, and elegant dinnerware, creating a warm atmosphere perfect for a festive gathering. Each year, the Nativity Fast invites us to prepare for Christmas (the birth of Christ) through intentional living, reflection and prayer. This year the fast starts on 15th November 2025. One of the most tangible ways we participate in this preparation is through fasting. For many

Amanda Harrison shares what she typically eats on a fasting day By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist When people hear “Orthodox fasting,” they often imagine eating nothing but water and bird food for weeks on end. But in truth, fasting days are full of flavour, colour, and creativity — just without meat, dairy, or sometimes oil and wine. For me, fasting is as much about mindfulness as it is about food. Here’s what a typical day of fasting looks like

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist A beautifully arranged dining table featuring white textured plates and napkins adorned with olive branches and assorted olives, creating an elegant and minimalist aesthetic. The Greek Nativity Fast commences on November 15th and concludes at midnight on December 24th (Gregorian Calendar), ushering in the global celebration of the Nativity, known as Christmas. This blog delves into the significance of this traditi

By Amanda Harrison, PGD RN HWC — Mediterranean Diet Specialist A delicious spread of Middle Eastern cuisine ideal for fasting days featuring creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh salad, and warm pita bread, accompanied by slices of cucumber and lemon wedges. When we think of the Mediterranean diet, we often imagine colourful plates of vegetables, al dente pasta and fresh meat and fish, all finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and herbs. But one of the most powerful and

Cooking a perfectly golden pancake, surrounded by fresh ingredients like eggs, milk, and flour on a rustic wooden table. Shrove Tuesday,...

A serene picnic setup on a soft blanket in lush greenery ready for Clean Monday Celebrations Clean Monday, or Kathara Deftera, marks the...

Kites are traditionally flown on clean Monday. This picture shows vividly coloured kites against a clear blue sky. Clean Monday, or...

Cosy winter moments: Enjoying a book and hot drink by the window as snow falls gently outside. The Mediterranean region, known for its...

A couple shares a tender moment by a tranquil lakeside on Valentine's Day. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but why not add a...

A joyful family gathers outdoors, sharing smiles and laughter in the warm sunlight. Menopause is a natural transition in each and every...

A majestic stag stands proudly against a backdrop of misty hills and a serene lake, embodying the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands....

Children enjoy a rainy day adventure, splashing in puddles with their colourful rain boots and exploring with curiosity. It's been a...

Cosy by the fire: Relaxing in colourful knitted socks with a warm mug, embracing the warmth of the fireplace. When the chill of winter...

Post holiday fatigue can hit us in January. The Christmas period was a time for celebration and much indulgence. However, once the...

Check out an example of what I, Amanda Harrison, eat in a week day as a Mediterranean Nutritionist As a nutritionist, I believe food is...