health

THE MEAL MUST NOT LAST LONGER THAN 15 MINUTES How monks on Mount Athos eat

There are also rules and traditions associated with the meal of monks from Mount Athos. They eat delicious, healthy, and simple food, and the meal does not last longer than 15 minutes.

THE MEAL MUST NOT LAST LONGER THAN 15 MINUTES How monks on Mount Athos eat

TL;DR

  • Monks on Mount Athos eat healthy, simple, and delicious meals that do not exceed 15 minutes.
  • Their diet consists of natural products from Greece, free from preservatives, spices, and fats, promoting health and protection from illness.
  • Meals are prepared with quality ingredients, prayer, and love, with an emphasis on patience and understanding the use of fire.
  • They consume fresh fish instead of meat and use olive oil sparingly, typically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • Dairy products like milk, eggs, and cheese are consumed but avoided during fasting periods.
  • Sweets and alcohol are largely avoided, with occasional allowances for halva, Turkish delight, coffee, and wine.
  • Key cooking principles include praying before cooking, selecting fresh ingredients, respecting fire, using simple ingredients, valuing water, continuous learning, engaging the senses, presentation, cleanliness, and embracing mistakes.
  • Moderation is a core principle, with monks eating only what their bodies need, even during fasting.