How to Stay Fit While Adjusting to Greek Food and Lifestyle
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An Erasmus student enjoys Greek food at a taverna, gym bag beside them, ready for a jog with the Parthenon in the background.
New country, new food, new habits.
You landed in Athens for your Erasmus, excited to explore, but there’s one little issue—your jeans already feel tighter.
Between gyros on every corner, late-night souvlaki, and an endless flow of Greek pastries, staying fit might seem impossible.
But here’s the good news: Greeks have mastered the art of balancing indulgence with a healthy lifestyle. And you can too.
This guide will show you exactly how to enjoy Greek food without packing on unwanted weight, keep your energy levels high, and actually feel better than ever.
1. Eat Like a Greek (The Right Way)
Let’s get one thing straight—Greek food isn’t the problem.
The Mediterranean diet is ranked as one of the healthiest in the world.
The problem?
Eating like a tourist.
Tourists order gyros and moussaka every day.
Greeks?
They eat grilled fish, fresh salads, and home-cooked lentils.
How to Apply This:
Start with a Greek salad (Horiatiki). It’s packed with fiber and healthy fats, so you’ll feel full without overloading on carbs.
Eat more legumes (like lentil soup or chickpeas). Cheap, filling, and full of protein.
Order grilled meat instead of fried. Souvlaki without the pita is a clean protein bomb.
👉 Example: Instead of a late-night gyros wrap, go for chicken souvlaki with a side salad. You still get the flavor without the grease bomb.
2. Beware of Sneaky Caloric Bombs
Greek food is delicious but deceiving.
That “healthy” spinach pie?
It’s wrapped in layers of buttery phyllo.
That “light” Greek yogurt?
Drenched in honey and nuts.
How to Apply This:
Limit pastries to once or twice a week. (Yes, even bougatsa.)
Watch the extra olive oil. Greeks love drizzling it over everything, but those extra calories add up.
Be mindful of meze platters. It’s easy to lose track of how much bread, dips, and fried cheese you’re actually eating.
👉 Example: Instead of ordering tzatziki and saganaki and fried zucchini, pick just one dip and pair it with grilled vegetables.
3. Take Advantage of Greece’s Built-In Workout: Walking
Forget Uber.
Athens is a walking city.
The locals walk everywhere—and so should you.
How to Apply This:
Walk instead of taking public transport whenever possible.
Hike up to Lycabettus Hill or Philopappos at least once a week. (Free workout plus a killer view.)
Explore neighborhoods on foot instead of sitting at cafés all day.
👉 Example: Instead of grabbing a coffee and sitting for hours, get it to-go and stroll through Plaka. You’ll rack up steps without even noticing.
4. Adjust Your Eating Schedule
Greek mealtimes are different.
Lunch is late (around 2-3 PM), and dinner?
It’s often at 9-10 PM...
That means long gaps between meals—dangerous if you’re not prepared.
How to Apply This:
Have a protein-packed breakfast. Greek yogurt with nuts and a drizzle of honey will keep you full longer.
Carry healthy snacks. A handful of almonds or a banana can prevent a souvlaki binge later.
Don’t eat massive portions late at night. If dinner is at 10 PM, keep it light—think grilled fish and veggies, not a whole pizza.
👉 Example: Instead of skipping breakfast and then devouring a giant lunch, have some eggs in the morning to keep your energy steady.
5. Balance Alcohol and Nightlife Calories
You came to Greece.
You’re going to drink.
But beer, cocktails, and late-night snacking can ruin your fitness goals fast.
How to Apply This:
Stick to spirits with soda. (Ouzo with ice is a better option than sugary cocktails.)
Pace yourself—Greeks drink slowly. No need to chug that Mythos beer in five minutes.
Skip the post-club junk food. If you must eat late, opt for a light souvlaki without the fries.
👉 Example: Instead of five cocktails, have a couple of glasses of wine with food. You’ll still enjoy the night without the extra calories.
6. Take Advantage of Local Markets for Fresh Food
Grocery shopping in Greece is a cheat code for staying fit.
Fresh produce is cheap, and local markets are everywhere.
How to Apply This:
Buy seasonal fruits and veggies from laiki markets. (They’re fresher and cheaper than supermarkets.)
Stock up on protein-rich foods like eggs, feta, and fish.
Cook at home at least a few times a week.
👉 Example: Instead of eating out every night, make a simple Greek salad at home with fresh ingredients from the laiki.
7. Find a Workout Routine That Doesn’t Feel Like Work
You don’t need a gym membership to stay active in Greece.
The whole country is basically an outdoor playground.
How to Apply This:
Swim whenever you can. The beaches are free—take advantage.
Do bodyweight workouts at home. (Greek apartments have just enough space for push-ups.)
Join a local sports group or dance class. Zumba in Athens? Why not.
👉 Example: Instead of dreading the gym, go for a sunset swim at Edem Beach. Same fitness benefits, way more fun.
8. Stay Hydrated (Because Athens is HOT)
Athens summers are brutal.
If you’re dehydrated, you’ll feel sluggish, overeat, and crave junk food.
How to Apply This:
Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere. (Greek tap water is safe to drink.)
Limit sugary drinks like iced coffee and soft drinks.
👉 Example: Instead of chugging frappés all day, swap in some plain iced green tea to stay hydrated without the sugar crash.
9. Make Fitness Social
You’re more likely to stay active if your friends are doing it too.
How to Apply This:
Plan group hikes or weekend sports activities.
Join a local yoga or pilates class.
Walk and talk instead of always meeting at cafés.
👉 Example: Instead of sitting at a taverna all afternoon, suggest a walk through the National Garden first.
10. Enjoy Greek Food Without Guilt
The key to staying fit in Greece? Enjoy the food—but in moderation.
How to Apply This:
Eat mindfully—don’t rush meals.
Savor every bite, but stop when you’re full.
Remember: One meal won’t ruin your progress. Consistency matters more.
👉 Example: Instead of beating yourself up for enjoying a big meal, just balance it out with lighter choices the next day.
Final Thoughts: Stay Fit, Enjoy Greece, and Live Your Best Erasmus Life
Staying fit in Greece isn’t about restriction—it’s about balance.
Walk more, eat smart, and enjoy the incredible food without overindulging.
If you found these tips helpful and want a stress-free living situation while you study in Athens, check out our furnished student apartments at Rooms Athens.
Move-in ready, hassle-free, and designed for Erasmus students like you.
