What I Ate in Israel

"Kopipi salad" at Frame Restaurant in Tel Aviv (http://www.frame-sushibar.co.il/)

Israel holds a very special place in my heart; not only is it my favorite country, but it is like my second home.

When I think of Israel, I automatically think of five things- my family, warmth, nightlife, heat, and most importantly, good food.  I grew up with an Israeli mother and an Israeli family, where food was always a big part of our lives. Lucky for me, though, the food I grew up eating and learned to cook was always very healthy and consisted of salads, vegetables, whole grains, spices, olive oil, tahini, hummus, and fresh fish.

What I love most about the Israeli culture is their philosophy on food; food is a huge part of their lives and it's what brings family and friends together. Most people eat home cooked meals most of the time, and go out to eat only occasionally. It is super super easy to find healthy restaurants and healthy options at restaurants, and the cooked food at restaurants doesn't feel as heavy or oily as the food here in America. Israeli's love to eat, but they aren't as heavy or unhealthy as the people here in the U.S.- in fact, you almost never see anyone obese walking on the streets! From my personal observations, I believe that the reason for this is that they aren't obsessed with "diets" and don't stress out about the food they eat; to them, eating is enjoyable and a blessing, not something to stress over! They eat a balanced diet that is naturally low in sugar, low in fried foods, high in healthy fats and carbs, and filled with veggies and fruits.

When I go to Israel, all I do is eat, so I thought I'd share with you all some of the delicious and healthy foods I ate!

Papaya salad, crispy sweet potato salad, and vegan noodles at Kampai in Tel Aviv (http://www.rol.co.il/sites/kampai/)

Coconut Water on the Streets of Jerusalem

Happy Hour at Hotel Yam in Tel Aviv (http://www.atlas.co.il/)

Salmon, Salads and Tahini- Homemade Shabbat (Friday Night) Dinner

Simple Veggie salad and Tahini at Machneyuda Restaurant in Jerusalem (http://www.machneyuda.co.il/en)

Breakfast Buffet at Arthur Hotel in Jerusalem (http://www.atlas.co.il/)

Fresh Juice, Fruit, and Halva at Machane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem (http://www.machne.co.il/en/)

Fresh Fruit Juice at the Farmer's Market in the Port of Tel Aviv

Salad with quinoa, chia seeds, beets, carrots, tomatoes, oats, lentils, and other goodies over hummus and tahini at Cafe Louse in Haifa (http://www.cafelouise.co.il/warehouse/userUploadFiles/file/58-1028_Menu_CafeLouise_Zohoraim_Erev_Eng.pdf)

Homemade Pitaya and Banana Smoothie topped with Mango, Hempseeds, and Walnuts

Green Smoothie on the Streets of Jerusalem

If you are a health freak like me, you will have no problem finding healthy restaurants or healthy food to eat while traveling in Israel! I hope that if any of you travel to Israel soon, you will visit some of the places I ate at above:)

xxx

Rachel