Suzy Karadsheh grew up in Port Said, Egypt, where diet culture was virtually nonexistent. Her parents focused on creating joyful moments at the dining table, emphasizing the Mediterranean lifestyle principles. This included eating with the seasons, enjoying mostly whole foods, and prioritizing the joy of sharing meals with family and friends.

At the age of 16, Suzy moved to the United States and was immediately exposed to a different food culture. She witnessed many Americans engaging in detoxes and restricting certain food groups, which was a stark contrast to her upbringing. The abundance of new foods in her college dining hall led her to gain weight, resulting in a 'freshman 31' instead of the typical 'freshman 15.'

After experiencing weight gain in the US, Suzy returned to Egypt for the summer and reverted to her Mediterranean eating habits. In just two months, she lost all the extra weight without even thinking she was on a diet. This natural weight loss reinforced her belief in the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which emphasizes whole foods and balanced eating without strict restrictions.

Determined to bring joy back to the table for others and preserve her family’s culinary heritage, Suzy launched The Mediterranean Dish food blog ten years ago. Her blog quickly gained popularity, attracting readers beyond her immediate circle. She began receiving emails from people whose doctors recommended the Mediterranean diet, seeking easy and delicious recipes to adopt this healthy lifestyle.

The Mediterranean diet is often rated as the world’s best diet due to its numerous health benefits. Research has shown it can reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, dementia, memory loss, and depression. Additionally, this plant-based eating lifestyle is linked to stronger bones, a healthier heart, and a longer life, making it a comprehensive approach to overall well-being.

In her cookbook 'The Mediterranean Dish: Simply Dinner,' Suzy outlines seven key principles to adopt the Mediterranean lifestyle. These include using extra-virgin olive oil as the primary fat, eating more plant-based foods, incorporating seafood and poultry into meals, moderating red meat and sweets, consuming eggs and dairy in moderation, and prioritizing whole-grain products. These guidelines focus on abundance and adding nutritious ingredients to meals, making healthy eating both enjoyable and sustainable.

Suzy Karadsheh’s journey highlights the importance of a joyful and balanced approach to eating. By embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle, she not only achieved personal health benefits but also inspired others to adopt a more mindful and enjoyable way of dining. Her efforts through The Mediterranean Dish and her cookbooks continue to promote a culture of sharing, health, and happiness around the dining table.