Greece is one of the birthplaces of the award-winning Mediterranean diet. Studies on why it is so healthy<a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sevencountriesstudy.com%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank"> began in the 1950s and continue today.</a>
Eating my way though the Mediterranean diet in Greece —
Greece is one of the birthplaces of the award-winning Mediterranean diet. Studies on why it is so healthy began in the 1950s and continue today.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
A traditional Greek salad, called horiatiki, has no lettuce. Instead, it's packed with plump, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and onions, as well as several of the many varieties of Greek olives, and topped with large pieces of fresh feta and a dash of olive oil.
A traditional Greek salad, called horiatiki, has no lettuce. Instead, it's packed with plump, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and onions, as well as several of the many varieties of Greek olives, and topped with large pieces of fresh feta and a dash of olive oil.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Taramasalata is a classic Greek dip made of fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, grated onions and day-old bread.
Taramasalata is a classic Greek dip made of fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, grated onions and day-old bread.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Called the "original energy bar," pasteli is a treasured Greek candy made for centuries from honey and sesame seeds. This protein-packed treat can also be made from crushed nuts and a bit of citrus peel.
Called the "original energy bar," pasteli is a treasured Greek candy made for centuries from honey and sesame seeds. This protein-packed treat can also be made from crushed nuts and a bit of citrus peel.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Marithia are small, fried fish that you can eat from head to tail.
Marithia are small, fried fish that you can eat from head to tail.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
In Greece, dolmades can be much more than tiny rolls of grape leaves stuffed with a vegetable rice mixture. Green peppers and tomatoes are frequently used, served with yogurt and the traditional fries.
In Greece, dolmades can be much more than tiny rolls of grape leaves stuffed with a vegetable rice mixture. Green peppers and tomatoes are frequently used, served with yogurt and the traditional fries.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
A Greek tradition, moussaka layers a rich tomato meat sauce with slices of eggplant. On top is a decadent béchamel sauce.
A Greek tradition, moussaka layers a rich tomato meat sauce with slices of eggplant. On top is a decadent béchamel sauce.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Greeks serve small helpings of a chunky jam-like spread with a spoon as a sign of hospitality -- hence the name "spoon sweet."
Greeks serve small helpings of a chunky jam-like spread with a spoon as a sign of hospitality -- hence the name "spoon sweet."
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Called one of the world's top 10 sunsets, the setting sun in Santorini, Greece, is a lure for lovers.
Called one of the world's top 10 sunsets, the setting sun in Santorini, Greece, is a lure for lovers.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
This dish, made from the ancient grain bulgur, is laced with tiny diced cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, as well as lemon juice and olive oil.
This dish, made from the ancient grain bulgur, is laced with tiny diced cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, as well as lemon juice and olive oil.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Spices are a huge part of the Mediterranean diet, offering rich flavor in place of salt. Stores carry more varieties than you can count.
Spices are a huge part of the Mediterranean diet, offering rich flavor in place of salt. Stores carry more varieties than you can count.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
As an appetizer or welcoming first course, Greek olives can be served with rusks, pan-fried in olive oil until crunchy.
As an appetizer or welcoming first course, Greek olives can be served with rusks, pan-fried in olive oil until crunchy.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
The Greek island of Milos is famous for its moonscape-like Sarakiniko beach. On the day I visited, the wind could knock you over as you tried to take a picture.
The Greek island of Milos is famous for its moonscape-like Sarakiniko beach. On the day I visited, the wind could knock you over as you tried to take a picture.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
All those used to eating a fillet, be ready: In Greece, seafood is served with its head, tail and eyeballs included.
All those used to eating a fillet, be ready: In Greece, seafood is served with its head, tail and eyeballs included.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN
Topping off that delicious Greek meal -- a cup of traditional Greek coffee. It's often served with foam (kaimaki) on the top and the grounds at the bottom of the cup.
Topping off that delicious Greek meal -- a cup of traditional Greek coffee. It's often served with foam (kaimaki) on the top and the grounds at the bottom of the cup.
Sandee LaMotte/CNN