posted June 28, 2010 11:09 AM         

We've all heard about how the French diet and lifestyle help protect Frenchwomen (and men) from the obesity epidemic that plagues the U.S. But what about the other Mediterranean countries -- like Italy, where obesity is rare despite an abundance of pasta and other delectable dishes? Are there Italian diet secrets we could learn from as well?

Studies show that a Mediterranean-style diet has many health benefits, from reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, to living a longer life. But something must be getting lost in translation. Many of Americans' favorite Italian foods, like cheese-laden pepperoni pizza and fettuccini Alfredo, are anything but healthy.

On a recent trip to Italy, I decided to see for myself what the Italians' diet secrets were. My trip started in northern Italy, in the Tuscan region, and ended 12 days later further south on the Amalfi coast. My mission was rest, relaxation -- and finding out how the Italians manage to enjoy delectable Mediterranean foods, yet maintain healthy weights..... http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/italian-diet-secrets

posted June 28, 2010 11:19 AM         

quote:

---

It also became obvious that the typical Italian diet is very different from what you see on an American Italian restaurant menu.

---

posted June 28, 2010 11:45 AM         

Also from the article:

quote:

---

Before and after dinner, many Italians engage in the passagiata, a leisurely stroll through town. Generations walk together, talking and keeping alive a cherished tradition... [Italians] eat very little red meat... [Dinner] is not served too late (to allow time for proper digestion)... Mineral water is the preferred beverage, along with a glass of red wine. All portions tend to be small when compared to our own supersized quantities... [They have] a very active lifestyle, with lots of walking or bike riding, especially in urban areas of the country... In addition, Italians usually satisfy a sweet tooth with fruit instead of higher-calorie desserts... Olive oil is the preferred oil, used extensively in cooking and on salads. But you won't typically find it on the table for bread dunking as we enjoy in America... "We start with fresh ingredients, often from our own gardens. We don't buy precooked foods."

---

My parents took a vacation to Italy not long ago and were shocked to find real food, lol. They never tasted anything like it before. You can't find food like that here, not even on an organic farm. Raw dairy is illegal to sell, for one thing, and animals in Italy are largely raised on local farms. From what I've heard, the meat is mostly butchered and sold the next day. But everything here is pasteurized and even the grass-fed animals don't make it to your plate overnight. They also walk everywhere in Europe. This would explain what's happened to so many Italian-Americans, who think they're dietary habits will translate into "The New World".

While obesity may be termed "relatively rare" when you compare it to obesity in America and factor in the richness of the foods, we know that, from a healthy standpoint, it's not at all rare. The image of the fat Italian mother is well-nigh archetypal. And if it can happen there, it will happen here.

posted June 28, 2010 03:21 PM         

Also, a lot of the Italian-American food is not the same in Italy. Spaghetti with meatballs, for example, is not Italian, but Italian-American. Those foods tend to be heartier and starchier - Italian food in general, esp Northern Italian, are less starch-based. It's just that the food's been bastardized and that's another reason why you will see it lost in translation.

posted June 28, 2010 03:30 PM         

You repeated some really good points,
but I think we already said it better.

No offense.

posted June 29, 2010 08:12 AM         

Both good points.

posted June 29, 2010 08:22 AM         

"Bless your food"

"Choose love, not fear"