Healthy Italian Style

Anno nuovo, vita nuova in Italian translates to: New Year, new life (let’s make a fresh start).  To eat and live healthy in 2013 the Italian food culture will steer any lifestyle into a better, fresher way of dining.  There are numerous staple ingredients indicative of Italian cooking that have immense health benefits.  Commit to a fresh start through reengaging the focus of food to time shared with family and friends with an appreciation for the preparation and elements of the meal and a courtesy to refrain from over indulgence.



No Italian grandmother wants to hear a family member is on a diet, food should never qualify as a stipulation.  Instead, while the average mind jumps to hearty pasta dishes and decadent treats while imagining Italian food, the focus is naturally on wholesome dishes meant to bring families together over a respect for the meal.  In Italy the mid-day meal or lunch is the larger portion over any other daily meal. The longer break during the day allows for time to gather with family and friends and leaves dinner to typically be of lighter fare much like an American lunch. Try to implement this on the weekend or days off to start.  Another benefit of this structure is to include others in the process. Cooking together will teach children or family and friends of all ages that allotting time to prepare a meal with whole foods ignites a connection to the kitchen that will result in fewer processed meals and create the proper guidance for eating well.  Commit to any opportunity to cook or eat together as a daily celebration of life, an excellent way to become healthier this year.

Italian cooking is simple and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean poultry, dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil.  Tomatoes, a staple in many dishes, have health benefits such as lycopene a type of antioxidant and vitamin c.  Garlic has both anti-fungal and antibiotic properties and adds a tremendous amount of natural flavor.  Olive oil is used as the primary cooking oil and is high in monounsaturated fat, when used in place of butter the saturated fat in dishes are reduced.  Dark leafy greens, vegetables, and herbs are appreciated by Italians and used often in whole grain pasta dishes.  This Mediterranean style of diet has been rejoiced as both decadent and beneficial. 



Antipasti salad The Food Network

Beyond the health benefits of the commonly used foods, portion control is important when implementing the Italian way of dining.  Due to the socialization aspect of meals and the rich fresh ingredients present it is simple to stop when a person is full. Moderation of real foods allows room to indulge on a small sweet treat.  Gelato or pastry on occasion, is a right and a much better choice over processed sweets.  Espresso and coffee products are part of daily intake and do aid in boosting metabolism and digestion.  It is ritual to share an espresso after finishing a meal in Italy and a welcomed tradition to help set pace over the busy American, often rushed, mealtime.

Incorporate the Italian lifestyle and cuisine and discover a new quest for the perfect balance of life and food.  Shift the way food is consumed with leading example. Enjoying the best foods with the best people in a respectful manner will allow for an added abundance of health and happiness in 2013. Vita Nouva!