Ever wondered why Israelis generally seem fit and healthy? Well, they eat salad for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Hummus, vegetables, and extra-virgin oil is a common thing you will find  at any Israeli’s table. The country places a lot of emphasis on healthy eating, and as a result, Israel has the lowest rate of diet-related deaths. Here are some reasons why you should eat like an Israeli.

The Mediterranean Diet

As with other countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Israel’s healthy eating habits stem from their extensive use of the Mediterranean diet. It is considered a “super-diet” and consists of whole grains, pomegranates, figs, walnuts, and extra-virgin olive oil.

The diet encourages people to have fish and poultry in moderate quantities and a low amount of red meat and sweets. People following such a diet rely more on fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients.

Recommended Reading: Your Complete Guide to Israeli Food

Salads All the Time

Israelis are known to have salads with every meal, whether it is breakfast or dinner. The basic salad consists of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with local herbs, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil with some lemon juice. Due to the diverse topography, the country produces a lot of its fruits and vegetables.

Hearty Breakfasts

Israelis are known to have a large breakfast to jumpstart their day. Studies have shown that eating more early in the day (compared to the evening) can help regulate blood sugar levels, encourage weight loss, and help avoid diabetes. It is recommended to visit a traditional Israeli buffet breakfast where you’ll find slices of raw vegetables, salads, and shakshuka (poached eggs in pepper and tomato sauce)

Hummus

A meal without hummus in Israel is like an ocean without water, meaningless! If you find a dinner table without hummus, then you’re probably in another country. Moreover, if you’ve never tried hummus in your life then you need to give it a shot. Not the one you’ll find in your local supermarket, but the one made by many restaurants in Israel.

This delicious paste is made from chickpeas, sesame, tahini, salt, garlic and lemon juice. By no means can you consider it just a dip. It is a whole-hearted meal that you enjoy with warm fluffy pita bread. There are restaurants called hummusiyot in Israel that only serve hummus and its accompaniments.

Dates and Date Honey (Silan)

Dates are a Middle Eastern staple that are often eaten in Israel. Israelis love their dates and the honey it produces is used in various applications such as stews, sauces, rubs, and marinades. Furthermore, dates have numerous health benefits. It prevents cardiovascular diseases, regulates blood pressure, and serves as an antioxidant. It is also rich in vitamins A and B, protein, and fiber.

Recommended Reading: 3 Israeli Dishes You Need to Cook for Your Family
So, the next time you sit down and create a healthy diet plan, consider what Israelites eat. Moreover, if you love to explore new places and try new cuisines, consider Israel for your next vacation spot. The country won’t disappoint you with its rich culture, historical artifacts, and hearty cuisine.

You can further enhance your experience of visiting Israel by learning a bit of Hebrew, the country’s local language. At Ulpan Or, we provide quality language services, and you can learn Hebrew online with Israeli teachers. Our Hebrew digital courses are designed to address the needs and requirements of students at various Hebrew levels starting with a total beginner level up to very advanced levels.

Contact us today for more information.