Source: lacucinaitaliana.com

10 Secrets of the Italian Diet you Must Know

Despite Italian foods like Pizza, Alfredo and to a certain extent Pasta, that is anything but healthy, when you look at Italy as a whole, you would find obesity is rare. In fact, not just obesity but studies and research suggest that the Italian or the Mediterranean diet is helpful in reducing the risk of heart diseases and cancer.

Well, truth be told, Italian people are not born with it. The secret to their amazing health is in their diets, which today will be our point of discussion. Today, we will unveil 7 such secrets that keep the Italians so fit and healthy.

Dine with pleasure

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The thing with Italians is, they enjoy every second of their eating experience and spend hours over the table, just to relax and socialize.

This means they might sit over lunch and dinner for hours, but it will not lead them to eat or drink more than they required. Apart from that, prior and post meals, Italian people also take a stroll around the town also known as passeggiata. In this process, all the generations walk together, talking, bonding and keeping the traditions alive. You will get to learn about these secrets from this Italian website.

You are done when you are full

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This was completely surprising. It is hardly found in any other cultural diet. The people of Italy do not believe in counting calories, which in recent times has become the trend.

They say they only keep their stomachs involved while eating and keep the herd out of the business. Thus, the stomach immediately sends a signal when they are full, which does not happen when you are mindful.

On the other hand, they never eat after dinner, nor believe in eating in front of the television or computers. They pursue a very active lifestyle, mixed with a lot of fruits and vegetables. Yes, green vegetables and fibers are the main part of their diet.

Achieve a balance between quality and quantity

Source: italy4travellers.com

Like most things in life, the Italian diet too is based on a perfect measure of quality and quantity, which includes, not too much fat, a perfect blend of healthy carbohydrates, proteins.

They follow this principle ardently and thus include all of their foods like pasta, lean meats, fishes, and more in the right quantities. One more thing to learn about them is that they would never prefer sodas, or chips, or mayonnaise. When they have sugar cravings, they will pick some fruits, instead of calorie-packed sweets.

Choose Simple fresh foods

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Nowadays, things have changed and people have shifted to packaged foods, which are not good for our health. The thing with the Italian diet is, they keep it simple, believe in cooking from raw and enjoy simple, fresh foods. Don’t buy precooked foods and try eating as fresh as you can.

They don’t believe in dieting

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Again, sticking to diets has become a part of people’s lifestyles but here as well, the Italians differ from the rest of the world.

They refuse to hang up on nutrition, eat what they want and lead an active lifestyle. Yes, they do make a few smart choices like avoiding fried foods and sweets. That said, they will never refuse a glass of fine wine and luxurious dining!

Family and Food

Source: comunidadeitaliana.com.br

You must have understood that food plays a vital part in any Italian’s life. But here’s the best part about their food schedule: they believe in eating together with family or friends.

Not only this ensures that the meals are prepared with utmost perfection, but it also ensures that they are eaten slowly, leisurely, not forgetting how affectionate it is. Plus, even studies have proven that eating together has health benefits because it ensures the consumption of more fruits and veggies. Moreover, It gives you some precious moments to sit with your loved ones and share life with them.

More to it than just pizza and pasta

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Most of us reckon Italian food to be just pasta and pizza. Well, here’s a reality check – they never eat pizzas as an entire meal like we do; it is more like a pre-course. Their plate consists of fruits, veggies, meat, fish, and so much more. So, the next time you pick up a slice of pizza instead of your dinner, remember this!

Use fewer ingredients

Italians cook their food with limited ingredients which prevent them from gorging on the extra fats. They refrain from cooking their meals in high alfredo creamy sauces like Pizza with cheese which makes their food carbohydrate-heavy instead of fat heavy. They also use a lot of olive oil in their food to leverage the innumerable benefits it has to offer.

They eat small portions

Source: alfa-editores.com.mx

Yes, and that’s the secret of their well-maintained figure. You will rarely find an Italian gorging onto a mountain full of pasta topped with extra creamy sauce. They will instead revel in a smaller bowl and enjoy every bite. This prevents them from eating a heavy meal at once and thus resists unprecedented weight gain.

Eat homemade food

Source: smithsonianmag.com

Every culture among the Italians has its own cultural food which is passed on from the generations to generations. Apart from that, Italians enjoy the flavor of home-cooked food and that is one of the major reasons why they are so fit.

The homemade food does not let them gorge onto the unhealthy fats, junk has to offer. Plus, the ingredients chosen at home are all healthy and fresh which benefits their health.

Over to you…

The Italian diet is based on one phrase, which is also used by nutritionists all over the world: It is not only what you eat, but how you eat.

Thus, now that I have unveiled the secrets, you must have understood that when it comes to food and eating habits, the people back in Italy definitely know something which we don’t. You need not entirely replicate their lifestyle, but what’s the harm in adapting the good.


Peter is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience covering topics in politics. He was one of the guys that were here when the foreignpolicyi.org started.