Healthy Living, the Greek way… You’ve probably heard the term “Opa!” – a popular Greek term used to express excitement and cheer, right? Greeks are super smart about finding creative ways to celebrate their heritage, food, and family every day. They seek balance in their daily lives by participating in outdoor activities and relying on a healthy diet of olive oil, grains, vegetables, fish and dairy. Clearly, this is a lifestyle worth borrowing a few tips from.

Healthy Living Tips inspired by Greek Living – from Chelsie Hightower

Get some great ideas for healthy living from the amazing Chelsie Hightower, from Dancing With the Stars. These 5 tips will have you living like a Greek in no time – and can help you be happier, healthier, and full of “Opa!” too…

1. Take your workouts outside. While a walk around your neighborhood might seem less exciting than a hike around Greek ruins, try to find something in your local outdoors that motivates and excites you. Explore a local park or a new neighborhood route to change up your fitness routine.
2. Make healthy meal choices. I try to stick to a Mediterranean influenced diet that is rich in olive oil, vegetables, fruit, fish and dairy. I enjoy finding recipes online and then trying them at home. Old London has some great recipes on their Facebook page.
3. Go dancing. In Greece, dancing is a large part of any celebration or gathering. I love going  dancing with friends; not only do we have a great time but I also get a workout!
4. Healthy Living = Happiness. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to plan a gettogether. Invite friends and family over just because! Ask guests to bring a dish, or set out appetizers like olives, cheese and Old London Melba Toast for everyone to enjoy. I’ve found being happy is a big step to staying healthy.
5. Love yourself. People come in all shapes and sizes, and what works on others won’t necessary work for you. Being healthy is about how you feel. Stop comparing yourself to others and begin loving the person you are from head to toe.

Celebrity dancer Chelsie Hightower has teamed up with some awesome nutrition and culinary experts, and partnered with Old London this summer – to help you incorporate the spirit of Greek culture into your life with easy-to-manage health tips like these, and super yummy recipes to support an overall healthy lifestyle for you and your family. I LOVE these ideas, and am already using them in my own life…

How I bring Greek Living to my Summer entertaining

Have you ever tried Old London snacks? They’ve got some really great options that are perfect for summer entertaining, like the ones I used at last weekend’s BBQ  – Melba Sea Salt Whole Grain {perfect fit with my Nutrisystem diet}, Melba Toast in Rosemary & Olive Oil {perfectly crunchy}, and Garlic & Herb Bagel Chips {all natural, no trans fat. Awesome.} These paired up pretty much perfectly with my favorite Super Simple Spinach Party Dip. Here’s the quick steps to put it together:

• 1 {10 oz} package of frozen chopped spinach
• 1 package Veggie recipe soup mix
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
• 3 chopped green onions

Directions for Super Simple Spinach Party Dip: Put frozen spinach into a strainer to thaw out. Once thawed, squeeze out any extra water, and get the spinach as dry as possible so your dip doesn’t get too runny. Combine all of the ingredients into a big bowl, stir to mix, then refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors blend together. Serve with bread, crackers – or my personal fave, Old London chips and crisps!

Old London is sending one lucky winner and a guest on an all-expense paid trip to the Greek Islands!

One lucky Old London fan is going to get a first-hand experience of the local culture, food and activities that help the Greek stay so healthy and happy. “Say Opa! to a better you by
maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and participating in physical activities you love while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Greek Islands!” – Visit Facebook.com/OldLondonFoods to get tips on living a healthy lifestyle and your chance to
win. I cannot even imagine how amazing this trip would be… Grand Prize: 8-day/7-night trip for two to Greece. Prize includes the following: Round trip (coach class) air transportation from a major airport nearest the winner’s home address. Seven nights (double occupancy) first class hotel accommodations in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. $2,000 gift card for spending money. {Approximate retail value $9,500. Grand Prize winner may select a cash option of $5,000 in lieu of the travel prize. But who would pass up a trip to Greece, right??} So what are you waiting for? Head on over to their Facebook page today, check out more delicious recipes to help you life like a Greek – then enter to WIN a chance to REALLY live like a Greek on this sweet getaway adventure.

What do YOU think??

Do you plan to try “Living Greek” – using Chelsie Hightowers healthy living tips inspired by the Greek lifestyle, or trying some of the super yummy recipes on the Old London Facebook page? Are you from a Greek family, and have some additional fun tips to share with us? I love hearing from you guys – so don’t be shy, comment away!

{Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Old London. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. Photo Credit for first photo.}