“It always seems impossible until it is done”
Nelson Mandela
Hello friend and welcome to a website based on Mediterranean recipes, wholesome food, and beautiful photography. I am Georgia and this a story of nurture, growth, and adventure - my story.
I am the recipe developer, food photographer, and blogger behind Foodathlon. I'm based in The Netherlands with my hubby Sakis, and our awesome West Highland White Terrier dog, Ghost.
The Harvest of Childhood
My journey into the enchanting world of culinary delights began very early in life. I grew up in Neos Skopos, a small village outside the city of Serres - situated in a fertile plain, in the Northern part of Greece. There is a special kind of magic that touches those who grow up surrounded by the earth's bounty and I was fortunate enough to experience this enchantment firsthand.
With a name that echoes the very essence of agriculture (Γεωργία), my destiny was intertwined with the land from the moment I was born. My grandparents (on both sides) were farmers and passed their trade to my parents, who cultivated mostly food for livestock and some for human consumption.
My grandfathers also grew vegetable gardens, nurtured fruit and nut trees, and raised animals like cows and chickens. They taught me how to respect nature, appreciate food and its production, and enjoy the fruits of my labor. It was a childhood filled with dirt-stained hands and an expansive playground of learning and discovery.
I learned my ways in the kitchen as I stood by the side of my grandmothers and my mother. They imparted their wisdom by teaching me the art of cooking using seasonal, fresh, and predominantly organic ingredients.
Next to them, I have experienced the deep-rooted connection between food, culture, family, and our way of life - the Mediterranean way! Some of my first memories are deeply connected with the smell and flavor of food. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pies, wafted through the air in one of my yiayia's kitchens, while homemade yogurt was created in the other's.
Farming Through the Seasons of Life
That is how I have spent the first 18 years of my life. It was an environment filled with the warmth of someone's kitchen either a relative or neighbor willing to share produce, recipes, food, and knowledge. I was deeply influenced by their origins, upbringing, and culinary heritage, and I found inspiration in the flavors and traditions of every one of them.
As I've grown, I've come to appreciate the depth of respect and understanding I have for food. It's not just about the flavors and the dishes; it's about the deep-rooted connection to the land, the seasons, and the traditions passed down through generations. Each meal tells a story, each ingredient a chapter in the rich tapestry of my culinary heritage.
During my college years, I studied nursing and understood nutrition's profound impact on our well-being. I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a healthy diet in preventing, regulating, managing, and even healing various diseases and health conditions. I had a great nutritionist that taught me the importance of meals and in my small apartment kitchen, I cooked almost all my everyday meals.
There it was that I understood that the principles of the Mediterranean eating pattern make the so-called Mediterranean Diet one of the healthiest in the world.
The Joy of Sharing
In our home, meals are not merely a means of sustenance; they are moments of connection and celebration. The dining table becomes a sanctuary where stories are shared, laughter echoes, and bonds are strengthened. Whether it is a simple weekday dinner or a festive feast, we embraced the joy of nourishing our bodies and spirits. It was here that I learned the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The healing power of food
This realization became even more personal in 2017 when I experienced a severe adverse reaction to an antibiotic. It plunged me into a world of health issues, causing the emergence of food intolerances and allergies. Yet, despite these restrictions, I remained unwavering in my commitment to cooking the Mediterranean way.
Food became my elixir, my medicinal remedy for a body in need of healing. It became my mantra, and I adopted the words of Hippocrates (even though he never used the exact words) as my guiding light:
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”
With each carefully chosen ingredient, I crafted meals that nurtured my body, reviving my spirit and fostering a renewed sense of well-being.
Thus, Foodathlon was born out of my passion for cooking and my journey into gluten-free living. It began as a personal endeavor to document and convert all my beloved recipes into gluten-free versions, creating a diverse collection of dishes that catered to my dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
It is a testament to my unwavering love for Mediterranean cuisine, a treasure trove of recipes that spanned the entirety of my life's journey. The name itself, a fusion of "food" and "Athlon," holds profound significance. In Greek, "athlon" or athlos (ἄθλος) carries a multitude of meanings: contest, struggle, task, but also achievement. Foodathlon embodies all of these facets, representing not only the challenges I faced but also the triumphs that awaited me.
Each recipe in Foodathlon is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it's a story of experimentation, adaptation, and creativity. I wanted to share not only the outcome but also the process behind transforming traditional recipes into gluten-free delights.
The Art of Food Photography
As I delved deeper into the world of gluten-free cooking with Foodathlon, I stumbled upon another captivating aspect of culinary creativity: food photography. With each dish I crafted and documented, I found myself drawn to capturing its beauty through the lens of my camera.
Foodathlon became a repository of recipes and a visual feast, where every dish was showcased in its delicious glory. Through the art of food photography, I learned to play with light, composition, and styling, transforming simple ingredients into stunning images and food stories that evoked the essence of each recipe.
From vibrant salads and comforting bowls of pasta to naturally gluten-free and sweetened indulgent desserts, every recipe is crafted with care and attention to detail. I sought to capture not only flavors but also the emotions and stories behind every dish. Each photograph in Foodathlon is a testament to the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing meals with loved ones.
Follow along as I continue to explore the intersection of culinary artistry and visual storytelling. Let Foodathlon be your guide to flavorful, wholesome Mediterranean meals that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions, and inspire you to not only savor the flavors of gluten-free cooking but also appreciate the beauty that lies within every dish.