NEW YORK – Greek-Canadian chef and cookbook author Peter Minaki spoke to The National Herald about The 400-Calorie Mediterranean Diet Cookbook which includes 100 recipes, all 400 calories or less, offering amazing flavors and the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet for anyone looking to effectively manage their weight.

The 400-Calorie Mediterranean Diet Cookbook presents all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet in these 100 healthy recipes for those looking to lose weight while enjoying satisfying portions. With photos throughout and recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus good-for-you snacks and low-calorie desserts, the book helps with managing calorie intake while enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, seafood, lean meats, and nuts. This healthy cookbook makes losing weight and improving your health easier and quicker than ever.

One of Canada’s finest Toronto-based Greek food experts, Minaki has roots in Florina. He is often referred to as ‘Kalofagas’, which is Greek for ‘gourmand’ and he created the Kalofagas blog in 2010 to introduce the world to delicious Greek cuisine, with many unique twists to the thousands of flavorful recipes. Moreover, the site is a showcase of traditional, modernized, and unique recipes inspired by his eclectic experiences traveling to Greece. Minaki always promotes the diversity of Greek cuisine.

TNH: How did you decide which recipes to include in the cookbook?

Peter Minaki: I like sharing new recipes/dishes that I am excited about and I want others to enjoy these dishes. Many of my favorite dishes are simple recipes that are inspired by my personal food experiences and ideas I gather from travel or dining at new eateries or places around the world.

TNH: How long did the process take from idea to publication?

PM: It varies as I am always making notes about food ideas but I would say three to six months.

TNH: What is your favorite Greek dish to make on a weeknight?

PM: I really enjoy making (and eating) Greek burgers stuffed with cheese. I can have it with a salad, some potatoes or rice, and on the table within an hour.

TNH: What was the most surprising thing you learned in the process of writing the book?

PM: I was surprised with how much work is done after the recipes have been submitted. Besides being proofread, the photography has to completed, the nutritional charts for each dish are calculated, and the care and time taken to make the book easy to read and attractive to the consumer.

The 400-Calorie Mediterranean Diet Cookbook by Peter Minaki is available online and in bookstores. More information is available online: https://bit.ly/3FmCULV.

Minaki’s next book, due out on November 23 is titled The Everything Green Mediterranean Cookbook and takes the Mediterranean diet to the next level of health with 200 plant-based, whole food recipes.

The Mediterranean diet centers around fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, olive oil, seafood, lean meats, and nuts and has been the most popular diet for reducing harmful inflammation, avoiding diseases, and losing weight. Already one of the best diets on the planet, Minaki says there is a way to increase the benefits – by simply removing most or all meat and animal products. With these 200 vibrant and healthy recipes, The Everything Green Mediterranean Cookbook is a guide for moving towards a healthier lifestyle – one delicious meal at a time.

More information is available online:  https://www.kalofagas.ca/.