Monastic diet: How monks eat at Mount Athos

The monks of Mount Athos observe a monastic diet that serves their austere way of life and is based on the principles of temperance, fasting and natural ingredients. It is deeply influenced by Orthodox tradition, emphasising the connection between body and soul through food.

Meals are consumed twice daily at specific times, usually following the monks’ religious obligations, and last for about half an hour. Monks also observe extensive periods of strict fasting as defined by the Greek Orthodox Church.

Their diet is mostly vegetarian. They abstain from meat and primarily consume fresh or dried vegetables, legumes, fruits, bread, nuts and olives. Fish and seafood are allowed on certain days, such as major feast days or on days when fasting rules are less strict. Olive oil is used sparingly during strict fasting, while wine is consumed on festive occasions or when permitted.

Meals are prepared simply, without complex seasonings or heavy sauces. Bread is often baked in the monasteries, and products are usually organic, grown in the monastery gardens. The recipes are modest, aiming to preserve the natural taste of the ingredients.

In the monastic cuisine of Mount Athos, cooking and baking are drawn-out affairs that place the same focus on both bodily health and spiritual reflection, a perfect fit for the modern slow food trend. Food is viewed as a gift from God, and temperance a means of self-control and spiritual uplift. For this reason, meals are consumed in silence, adding to the spirituality of the experience.

Monks rise at 3 in the morning and usually attend services for 3-4 hours. This means that the first meal of the day is served at 8 in the morning. The second, dinner, is served at 6 in the evening, with no meals in between.

This diet is exceptionally healthy, rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats. At the same time, it promotes simplicity and harmony with nature, both hallmarks of monastic life. With few exceptions, visitors and pilgrims will be treated to the exact same fare the monks subsist on throughout the year.