Ten Reasons Why Italians Are Thinner

Some of the most common remarks I hear from tourists visiting Rome are “You never see any fat Italians! How come Italians are so thin when all they eat is pasta and pizza? Though it may seem as though the Italian diet is a carbaholic’s dream, there really is much more to it than that. Here are ten reasons why the Italian diet is among the healthiest in the world.

First things first: Breakfast. While a croissant and cappuccino (typical Italian breakfast) may seem like a fattening way to start the day, this sweet combination tips the scales at only about 250 calories. HOW, you may be asking? Well, about 4 Italian cappuccinos would fit into one of its counterpart products at Starbucks, for one. Serving size will be a common theme in this piece, get used to it!

Many Italians eat breakfast late (many come to work, “clock” in, then go straight to the bar for an early morning break), which holds them over without the need to snack before lunch. When Italians come to America on the other hand, they have apparently embraced Denny's.

A proper Italian lunch consists of three or more courses. An antipasto, pasta or rice dish, meat or fish dish, vegetables, fruit or dessert, and coffee. In that order. Portion sizes are smaller than you might expect, and Italians take time to savor each dish, stopping for a pause between one course and the next.

So what are they eating that others aren't? Generally fresh, inexpensive, and simple ingredients. Sure Italian cuisine does boast some divinely creamy and rich recipes, but the most common and best loved Italian dishes are the simple ones. Pasta al pomodoro, risotto with seafood, roasted meats, raw, grilled, or stewed vegetables, etc. What’s missing? Just about anything fried, breaded, or processed in any way.

What about pizza? By all means. Pizza is a true art form in Italy. It comes in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, with a few common denominators. It is always fresh, the crust is thin (except for in a few regions) , and it is rarely overloaded with too many toppings. By too many, I mean more than 2 besides cheese. Fresh mozarella is the cheese of choice, and a little bit goes a long way. Oh, and did I leave out the fact that Italians don’t generally share? That’s right, to each his OWN PIZZA. One entire pizza with cheese and other fresh toppings carries about 750 calories. Now a quick look at some American pizza data shows us how one slice of the good stuff can pack in up to 530 calories! Multiply by three or four, and you can see how numbers add up (along with the lbs)!

Sadly, a recent invention has brought about the introduction of vending machines that make pizza in Italy. I for one hope the machines are outlawed.

Mid-meal snacks? Better not. Many Italians have replaced snacking between meals with a cigarette and espresso, or just the espresso for those who do not smoke.

Walking. Most Italian cities and towns were built centuries before the automobile was invented. While Italians have embraced automobiles and each family has at least one, the fact remains that they just aren’t the most convenient way to get around. Many cities have now banned vehicles from entering into their downtown areas in order to reduce traffic and smog. Even in areas outside the center, the following is an all-too familiar scenario.

You need to go the supermarket in Rome. You head outdoors, walk three blocks to where you were lucky to find a parking space last time you used the car. You then drive the 8 blocks to where the supermarket is located, you circle around the area 4 times looking for a place to park, and you settle on a spot up the street. After shopping you leave the supermarket, shlep your bags to the car, drive home, circle the block 4 more times, this time you find a spot a mere 2 blocks from home. All in all, you kick yourself for not just taking the little trolley (yes, the one that the little old ladies walk around with) and walking.

Drinks. Have a look through an Italian home goods store and you will find some lovely glassware. You will probably be thinking, what lovely shot glasses, but where are the real drinking glasses? Those ARE the real glasses. Italians drink tiny little glasses of water, beer, wine, soda, etc. Whatever it is, it is NOT a 64 oz. big gulp and therefore HAS to be less fattening.

Digestion. Everything I know about it, I owe to the Italians. Never have I seen anyone so in tune with their digestion. If you want to know about the proper order in which one should eat things, when and what to drink, what to avoid, ask an Italian. They just know.

Gelato. How can this creamy cold goodness not be sinful and enormously fattening? It just isn’t, because Italians gobble it up at all times of day, any season, indiscriminately. Again, the difference is in the serving size. While a little cup of gelato will satisfy a sweet urge, it probably won’t break your zipper.

A different kind of comfort. We have all heard of the term “comfort food.” For me images of apple pie and vanilla ice cream immediately come to mind, but everyone has their “go to” food when the going gets tough. My feeling is that Italians do not tend to indulge as much, preferring a chamomile tea or a talk.

The proof is in the pudding. Literally. If the above reasons don’t have you convinced,  pictures speak louder than words.

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