The world’s best cuisine is Italian! Of course, I could be biased. My father was born in Italy, and I was born in Argentina, which has the highest percentage of citizens of Italian ancestry outside of Italy. Argentina’s cuisine has been significantly affected by the tastes and customs of Italy as a result of a massive migration between 1880 and 1920.
Authentic Italian food typically has crisp salads, olive oil, fresh fish, and legumes, which are pretty healthful. It can, of course, be made quite unhealthy by adding creamy sauces, cheeses, and cured meats. Here are seven tips I give my customers so they may take full advantage of Italian cuisine’s healthy side, whether they are dining at home or out.
Keep things simple
Italian food prides itself on being straightforward and created entirely from scratch, like handmade pasta. Only five or six minimally processed, seasonally appropriate ingredients are required in most real recipes. Using seasonal ingredients, you may keep your meals as cheap as possible while increasing their flavor and nutritional value.
Avoid skipping the salad.
Both lunch and dinner salads are popular among Italians. It’s easy to consume the recommended portions of vegetables with this double shot.
Skip the bread basket, though.
Having bread sticks and garlic bread on the table can cause you to consume more calories during a meal than you realize. Asking the server to hold off bringing the bread basket to your table is a good idea.
Pasta Isn’t All Bad!
Just be mindful of the sauces, additional cheeses, and portion proportions. When making pasta at home, measure the quantity (about 3 ounces per individual), cook it al dente (Italian for “firm to the taste”), and add a lot of veggies, including traditional Italian ingredients like artichokes, eggplant, and broccoli. I suggest splitting pasta servings at restaurants and choosing tomato-based red sauces over cream-based ones.
Take in more fish
Being a peninsula in the Mediterranean, Italy’s diet must include seafood. Two or three times per week, have recipes with omega-3-rich fish. How do Italians consume their fish? Pretty much in all possible ways! Try including anchovies, tuna, sardines, salmon, and pasta in stews, pizzas, risotto, and pasta recipes. Or serve grilled or baked fish.
Dessert with fruit
Fruit in a season was the go-to dessert in my household. Tiramisu and panna cotta are examples of cheese- and cream-based desserts high in calories, sugar, and fat. Save these for rare events and order or serve one portion for you and your dinner companions to share.
Enjoy Your Food Most Importantly
It is unthinkable in Italy to watch television while dining. Every meal is a festival where all elements, including spirited conversation, are valued. It’s an excellent chance for parents to teach youngsters how to enjoy a range of healthy foods while promoting healthy eating habits.