Greetings from Rome, the Eternal City. Rome just like other Italian cities is pretty famous for being carb central: there is pasta, risotto, pizza, gnocchi, panini everywhere. Is it possible to be Italian and not gain huge amounts of weight??? Pasta fans, I have great news for you… A 2016 Italian study suggests that eating carb-loaded pasta is linked to lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and healthier hip-to-waist ratio. There is a catch of course… the pasta needs to be consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, with a high intake of olive oil, nuts, fruits and vegetables, a moderate intake of fish and poultry and low intake of dairy, red and processed meats and sweets. This might explain how Italians stay slim while enjoying pasta. Another important factor in achieving ideal weight has to do with attitude towards food. For Italians just like the French, food is a source of pleasure, not anxiety. Pleasure around meals keep them healthy and thin. Meals in Italy are shared with friends and family and take longer time which allows the body time to generate the feeling of satiety before a person overeats. The key is moderation as the lady at 5:15 explains. A pasta portion for Italians is usually 75 to 125 grams and less for heavier pastas such as gnocchi, tortellini, and ravioli. So when in Rome, do as the Romans do…Indulge in a carb-fest and stay slim. Arrivederci!!!
À Suivre
Italian Pasta
Italian pasta cookbooks
Dried pasta
Pasta makers
Italian olive oil
Italian cheese sampler