Fasting - why, what and how ?

What is the reason people are fasting ? To feel healthier, to be closer to god, to lose weight or is it simplifying one's life? Orthodox fast, muslims, jews and christians do, there is intermittent fasting, 16/8 diet or the whole30 program. People remove meat, eggs, diary, fish, wheat, sugar, alcohol, leave out meals or nourish themselves liquidly. So why ? To remove toxins from body and mind. There are thousands of methods how to fast, but there is only one goal: purification.

March is a typical month to detoxify and get ready for spring. Now is the time to remove toxins that accumulated during winter time. Heavy meals, sugary drinks, coffee, alcohol & sweets that we consumed over the christmas season. Remember all the Souvlakis that made your stomach full, the coffee that made you awake in the morning, the glass of red wine you enjoyed with dinner or the delicious melomakarona you ate ? Now, imagine all the unhealthy things that you ate during the last 5 months of wintertime in one room. Have a look at them, smile, close the door and leave. Leave it all behind and start your fasting for a great start to spring. 

Where to start with ? There are so many options. The best way is to simply ask your body. Without consulting a doctor, a nutritionist or a diet specialist everyone knows what feels right. Start with little changes - baby steps. Leave out the coffee, reduce your meat consumption, stay away from alcohol or quit industrial sugar. Be curious ! It is an experiment. Observe your body while you leave out or reduce things that feel harmful. Transitions to new habits are never easy, so you might have withdrawal symptoms in the first days or weeks, simultaneously this is a sign that something in your body is moving and it starts to clean itself. 

We at Rosy´s little village always take care of people who have special requirements like vegans, vegetarians, lactose and gluten intolerant guests. We love to cook with organic vegetables, rich oils and tasty spices. Our cook Eri prepares healthy and delicious meals for you daily. Here is a recipe for one of his favorite vegan slow food meals. A nutritious dish for the whole family.

Green bean stew for 5 people

* 50 ml olive oil
* 2 fresh onions
* 1 garlic
* 1 potatoes
* 2 tomatoes
* 0,5 kg of green beans
* a bunch of dill
* Kripë pepper
* salt

1. Cut the onions and garlic into small bits and chop the potatoes into dice size pieces.
2. To make a tomato sauce, simply cut the tomatoes into small pieces and blend them.
2. Heat a pan, add olive oil, onions, garlic, potatoes and fry the veggies for a bit. Deglaze with tomato juice and 1 glass of water.
3. Let it cook for a while and then add the beans and cook it for 40 - 50 min on low heat.
4. Refine the recipe with salt, pepper and dill.
5. Enjoy your delicious green bean stew and surprise your family with a vegan and healthy dish.