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How to avoid depriving yourself of your favorite foods and still lose weight?
EIGHT DELICIOUS SECRETS OF THE ITALIAN DIET
Pasta, pizza, cannelloni… Mmmm… How to not deny yourself your favorite dishes and still lose weight? Tested by Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci and Bianca Balti
"I owe my figure to my parents and spaghetti. I can't imagine my life without pasta, I eat it every day and I don't get fat at all," is the famous statement by Sophia Loren, which you really want to believe. However, the facts also speak in favor of the aphorism. According to official statistics, only 9% of the population of Italy suffers from obesity and at the same time does not deny themselves "solid carbohydrates." Looking at the curvy inhabitants of the Mediterranean with a slice of pizza in hand, you begin to believe in a miracle. Meanwhile, nutritionists have deduced a "formula for success" of the local diet, which explains why Italians eat and do not get fat.
RULE #1: SMALL PORTIONS
In Italian homes, hearty, but small portions of food are served. Of course, if you don’t take into account that you live with a textbook grandmother! Most residents of the country do not worry about calories at all because they can stop when they feel full and just have a cup of coffee at the end. It is not at all necessary to fall into a gastronomic coma every time you sit down at the table - you can enjoy much more modest portions. The Italian diet is very balanced in its composition: it is not very fatty, contains the necessary level of carbohydrates, is rich in fish and chicken and is very careful about red meat.
RULE #2: THE RIGHT OIL IS OLIVE
In Italy, olive oil is called "liquid gold with a thousand-year history"; it is the basis for the vast majority of national dishes. It is added to sauces and salads, sauté and grill. Oil occupies a huge niche in the life of the Mediterranean population. It is difficult to remember recipes where it is not used at all. Vegetable fats in its composition are better than trans or saturated. But even if we admit that olive oil is very healthy, you should not overdo it. Everything should be in moderation!
RULE #3: ENJOY FRESH FOOD
Fresh fish, tomatoes, herbs, artichokes, capers, eggplant, zucchini and giant lemons form the basis of incredibly tasty and healthy dishes, especially in the south of Italy. If it is fresh pasta, it is always al dente, with just a few drops of olive oil or a simple tomato sauce with vegetables. And, yes, these are always small portions.
RULE #4: A MODEST BREAKFAST
We all know very well that breakfast is the main meal of the day. And Italians do not skip it under any circumstances. True, they start their day not very richly - with a small cup of coffee with milk and a croissant or a small multigrain cookie.
RULE #5: NO SWEET SODA
No sweet drinks or soda during meals! Mineral water along with a glass of red wine (not a bottle!) is much more pleasant and better promotes a healthy appetite and digestion.
RULE #6: PIZZA! BUT NOT EVERY DAY
Of course, we don’t want to disappoint you, but regularly eating pizza (as much as we would like to believe in this Italian miracle) certainly doesn’t help you lose weight. In Italy, pizza is a weekend meal with friends. It often doesn’t have any “smoked” foods, but only cheese and vegetables: it’s lower in calories and has more fiber and nutrients.
RULE #7: LIGHT DINNER
Italians try to keep their last meal before bed as light as possible (unless they're going out to dinner with friends). A traditional dinner might include minestrone soup, cold cuts, or a small plate of pasta with a slice of cheese.
RULE #8: ITALIAN DIET - NO DIET
Italians are not crazy about diets. Want to lose weight? Put away fried foods and don’t pour fatty sauces on pasta. At the same time, you can indulge in tomato salad, pasta with vegetable sauté, and use olive oil, herbs, lemon, capers, and seasonings in the kitchen. And last but not least, any Italian dish should be eaten without the slightest feeling of guilt!
