Thursday, August 1, 2013

Clean Eating Guidelines


I truly believe in living a clean lifestyle to the best of your ability, as well as eating a clean diet. Here are some simple clean eating guidelines from Clean Eating Magazine.
Eat five to six times a day
Three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
Drink at least two liters of water a day
Preferably from a reusable canteen, not plastic; we’re friends of the environment here! Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of antioxidant-rich red wine a day.
Get label savvy
Clean foods contain just one or two ingredients. Any product with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered clean.
Avoid processed and refined foods
This includes white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead.
Know thy enemies
Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.
Shop with a conscience
Consume humanely raised and local meats.
Choose organic whenever possible
If your budget limits you, make meat, eggs, dairy and the Dirty Dozen your organic priorities.
Consume healthy fats
Try to have essential fatty acids, or EFAs, every day.
Learn about portion sizes
Work towards eating within them.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Eat produce that is seasonal and local. It is less taxing on your wallet and our environment.
Slow down and savor
Never rush through a meal. Food tastes best when savored. Enjoy every bite!
Take it to go
Pack a cooler for work or outings so you always have clean eats on the go.
Make it a family affair
Food is a social glue that should be shared with loved ones. Improve the quality of your family’s life along with your own.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Italian Bread: Terranova Bakery

Anthony Terranova, the owner of Terranova Bakery, in Bronx, NY, tells us what makes a good, healthy, Italian Bread.

In general, two things make one bread a healthier option than another: Few ingredients and Unrefined flour.  In terms of few ingredients, our bread has no added sugars, corn syrups, or preservatives, which make it a much healthier option than a Wonder-bread type of product.  The healthiest bread option includes, and may be limited to, the basic ingredients of flour, water, yeast, and salt.  However, the flour must be 100% unrefined whole wheat flour to be the healthiest option available.  When the flour is unrefined it breaks down easier in the body for energy.  When bread is labeled multgrain that can simply mean that there is a mix of refined flour and unrefined flour, so 100% whole wheat with no additives is what you're looking for.  When looking at the store, our bread is a superior option to many products out there, but there are other companies, like Vermont Bread Company that make a phenomenal product.

Visit his website to learn more: www.terranovabakery.com 


Friday, February 22, 2013

Modern Moms: Wives, Mothers, and Career Women Dish on Beauty, Health, Relationships, and Motherhood!


As mothers and women, we are all looking for some inspiration, and commonalities, when it comes to other women’s beauty, fashion, health, relationship, and motherhood choices. I had the unique opportunity to interview a group of young women from Manhattan and Westchester, who are wives, mothers, career women, or all three! They dished on everything from how they stay healthy to how they keep their relationships healthy. And, like me, you will find their answers interesting and encouraging.    

What does your workout routine consist of?

Francine: About 5 days per week, cardio, toning, weights, chasing after 2 kids.

Michele: Between working FT & wanting to be home with my daughter as much as possible, I try my hardest to make it to the gym, but usually get by with a once-a-week Barre Method class or a Pilates class & try for some cardio. Living in the city helps, because I walk to work (& everywhere else) for the most part, every day.

Joanna: I don't have a workout routine per se, but I do live an active lifestyle by living in NYC.  I walk whenever possible, at least 30 minutes a day, and I live in a third floor walk-up!

JoAnna: When I have the time elliptical at the gym, walking, or free weights.

Christy: Walking with my daughter. I try to take her for a walk at least 2-3 times a week. When it's warmer we go almost every day.

Lisa: 30 minutes on the Elliptical approximately 4-5 days week and a few 5lb dumbbell routines, 3 reps of 15.

How do you manage it all—wife, mother, personal time?

Francine: A healthy balance of all three is ideal, however we all know being a mother changes everything! So I do my best to give attention to my kids first and foremost, my relationship, and doing small things for myself (does taking a shower count?)

Michele: Time management! I do feel as though I push myself to excel in all areas, which can really be tiring, but I truly believe you should aim to be the best you can at all aspects of your life & if you want something, you make it happen.

Joanna: Being a new mother, I am still getting the hang of this. I find personal time is the one that gets the least attention! I think it's important to ask for help and not to try and "do it all" yourself.  When my husband gets home from work, he takes the baby, and I get a few minutes to myself.  It really only takes a few minutes of alone time to recharge. 

JoAnna: I guess the random breakdown helps! I try and manage it all, the kids, the laundry, the husband and work, and accept that sometimes I can’t do it all. I do make sure one day a week (for a few hours) I do something for myself. And date night with my husband on the weekends.

Christy: It's not always easy. I try to plan my day out: morning/early afternoon is all about my daughter. While she naps I shower, sometimes prep dinner, clean the house and sometimes take a break for lunch. I try to give myself at least a half hour of me time if I can. I will read a magazine or book, catch up on my dvr, or just watch some TV. When my husband comes home we have dinner with our daughter, we take turns doing bath time and once she is off to bed it's time for us to relax and catch up.

Lisa: I'm still trying to figure out how to manage it all. I exercise first thing in the morning about 30 minutes after breakfast. If I don't work out in the AM then it doesn't get done at all (I have no energy left in the evening). My husband & I try our best to make time for each other. We plan movie nights at home but sometimes we end up going to sleep. As for personal time, I have none. The only thing I could count as personal time is when I escape the house for about an hour for a mani/pedi, but that only happens about twice a month.

What healthy diet do you follow?

Francine: Balanced meals, lots of fruits and veggies! Water, water, and more water!

 

Michele: I eat and cook very clean & almost exclusively organic. I cook for my daughter the same way—she has never eaten jarred anything—which I am proud of! I puree, blend & mash combinations that I read up on & that I find the most nutritious depending on her stage.

 

Joanna: I try not to limit myself to anything.  I eat everything I want, in moderation.

 

JoAnna: I try to follow a healthy diet by limiting the processed foods and eating as clean as possible.

 

Christy: I try to watch what I eat. Now that my daughter is on table food, I cook healthy and delicious meals so she is exposed to a variety of flavors & textures.

 

Lisa: Three meals a day with light snacks in between. During the week we have salads for dinner (ex: Chicken Caesar, Greek, etc.). We both work and get home late, so salads are a fast and healthy choice.

 

Do you have any guilty food pleasures?

 

Francine: I love me a slice (or two) of pizza! If I'm craving something "bad" and I don't want to undo my whole day of good eating, I'll just grab a tablespoon of it and enjoy!

 

Michele: YES! Haagen Daz Chocolate Chocolate Chip ice cream. I could eat a whole pint!

 

Joanna: Pasta, pasta, pasta!

 

JoAnna: Sweets.

 

Christy: Ice cream, an absolute favorite. We sometimes keep it in the house and have a little every now and then.

 

Lisa: Chocolate and cake/bread. I can't imagine ever giving any of these up. It's really hard to turn away from these. I don't buy any of it for the house otherwise I would be in serious trouble.

 

What are your favorite pastimes?

Francine: Anything peaceful! I love organizing; it makes me feel I've accomplished something. I read from time to time. I enjoy working out. I enjoy cooking and baking, trying new recipes. And of course, losing myself in "playtime" with my kids, especially hide and seek, they love that.

 

Michele: Spending time with my Daughter, Husband & Dog! My entire extended family (& his)! Friends, Travel, Cooking, Exercise & Shopping.

Joanna: I enjoy reading, going for a walk around the block or to the park, and I love going to see/watching movies.

JoAnna: Being able to leave the house without having to get everyone dressed, then in the car seats and so on. Also, being able to sleep in. Drinking coffee without kids hanging on me, going out w/o texting babysitter one hundred times to make sure everyone is ok.

Christy: Reading, spending time with friends, hosting parties, movies (only have seen one since my daughter was born).

Lisa: SLEEP! Other than that, arts & crafts. I recently started working on a scrapbook of my daughter’s first year. I also enjoy walking around town and basically anywhere that is outdoors. It really helps me clear my mind.

What can we find in your makeup bag?

Francine: Clinique Tinted Moisturizer and under eye concealer, black mascara, and lip balm. I keep it simple.

Michele: These days I keep it very simple. Laura Mercier skin products (tinted moisturizer) Dior Great lash Mascara & Bobbi Brown lip gloss…ready to go in 5 minutes! (That’s all the time I get in the morning)!

Joanna: My bag consists of mascara, concealer, eye shadow and bronzer.

JoAnna: Brown eyeliner and blush, that only get put on for work or the occasional date night.

Christy: Simple and easy is my makeup motto. I keep it simple with airbrush cream foundation, bronzer, blush, eye shadow and some mascara. It takes me a total of 5 minutes most days and I am always complimented on how natural I look.

Lisa: Vaseline, always! If I were on a deserted island and could only take one item this would be it. Also, blush, mascara, perfume, nail file and clear nail polish.

What skin and hair products do you swear by?

Francine: I love Eucerin Lotion, Clinique All About Eyes Moisturizer, and Aquaphor can fix just about anything!

Michele: Revive Moisture renewal at bedtime & always, always eye cream & sunblock! I switch from La Mer to Revive. For hair products I swear by Oribe. He does not use parabens in his formula which dry out your tresses! And, all formulas smell amazing.

Joanna: I could not live without mascara!

JoAnna: La Mer lotion for day, Clinique lotion at night and Clinique face wash. Hair: Redkin fresh curls.

Christy: Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner for my hair. I wash my hair, towel dry and put that in so my soft, natural curls aren't weighed down! I also swear by applying lotion every night. My faves are Aveeno and Cetaphil.

Lisa: I love Cetaphil facial cleanser. I used to also use St. Ives Apricot Scrub but lately I've been mixing Cetaphil and a little bit of sugar. It's cheaper and also leaves my face really soft. I have dry spots on my face/skin so I use Jojoba oil at night for those problem areas. I also mix a little Jojoba oil with Johnson & Johnson baby lotion and apply it on my daughter at night after her bath.

What are your go-to outfits?

Francine: I tend to wear a lot of black, so black leggings with a simple top, paired with Uggs or a pair of Nikes. Also skinny jeans or cords are pretty much a staple in my closet, with a pair of flats.

Michele: I work in the fashion industry & am comped most of my work clothes, so I wear 90% Vince these days. I have a designer background so I am always throwing in one of those pieces. I think my vibe is Uptown Chic, with some cooler pieces mixed in.

Joanna: I always go to my black leggings with boots and a sweater-easy but chic comfort!

JoAnna: When I am not working black yoga pants and long shirt.

Christy: Black pants, cardigan and a colorful top. It can be changed to fit any holiday and can cover up stains easily and you always look put together. Add some jewelry and you're ready for a night out!

Lisa: Long button down shirt w/ spandex and flats. It may not be the most fashionable, but I'm a mom on the go!

How do you keep your marriage happy and fresh?

Francine: When we can, we like to go out on a date night and do something active, like bowling or playing pool. Laughing and letting go of everyday stress always feels good!

Michele: Laughing, not taking anything to serious and talking! We have also started a weekly meeting. Sounds funny, but I read an article and the way this woman described it made total sense! You put all the time and organizational effort into your job, why not your personal life?! It allows time for you both to organize the week; travel (which my husband does a lot) finances, social events, etc. This way you’re not always saying, “I told you that already!”

Joanna: We make sure we're each other's #1, no matter what (especially now that we're new parents).  I think it's crucial to put each other first, take interest in each other's day and to be sure you continue to do little things for each other to make each other smile.

Christy: We try to go out for "date nights" every now and then. Since having our daughter it has been harder. I think surprises definitely help. I surprise my husband with his favorite meals, baked goods or little gifts every now and then! We also never go to bed mad at each other, which I feel is very important.

Lisa: It's really hard to find time to go out together (without the baby) and on top of that I sometimes feel really guilty going somewhere without her. It's almost impossible for my husband and me to have a night out. My mom babysits for us but she gives us trouble if we want to stay out late. He and I find our "us" time early in the morning or at night. We'll make something exciting for breakfast like quiche and wine, dessert and/or coffee at night. Also, never go to bed mad at each other. You can't sleep well and it carries over to the next day. It's no good.

Any mommy tips?

Francine: Be present in every moment. Put the smartphone down, shut the TV off, and just fully enjoy the presence of your child. They grow up so fast, it’s true. Don't sweat the small stuff. Say I love you every chance you get! And lots of hugs and kisses.

Michele: Spend as much one-on-one time and contact as possible. Sing songs, laugh & put the Blackberry/IPhone & or TV remote away! You never get that time with your baby back—all else can wait.

Joanna: As a new mother, I don't have any tips of my own yet, but the one tip I received most from my friends and family was "sleep when they sleep." I have yet to accomplish this, but hear it is a crucial thing to learn!

Christy: Join a group! Getting out and about with other moms will help tremendously. These ladies will become your friends, therapists, girl’s night out partner, advice giver and support system. I believe that it's great to have a group of friends, with kids around the same age as your child(ren), they will always understand when you need to cancel, show up late, come with your hair messed up, and missing an important item for your child!

Lisa: For dinner I try to give my daughter foods she can eat on her own like pasta, noodles, chicken cut up in pieces, etc. I place the plastic plate and sippy cup on her tray and let her feed herself. It's good for coordination and sense of independence. I never react when she falls, otherwise she'll react to my reaction and it'll be complete hysteria. Whenever she falls I calmly ask her if she's ok and extend my arm to help her get back up. I don't always listen to what her pediatrician says. Her doctor said we had to take away her bottle at 12 months and that didn't sit well with me so I didn't. I'm taking steps towards taking it away (I give her the bottle at night only and take it away as soon as she's done) but I refuse to make the sudden change. It's like someone telling me I have to cut coffee right now for good. Someone would have to pick me up off the floor!

In your opinion, how can an “everyday woman” or “everyday mom” feel more glamorous and put together?

Francine: Remember, it's okay to make yourself a priority! Do your hair, wear your favorite outfit, and throw a little makeup on. When you look good, you feel good. Take time for you! When you feel good about yourself, it will benefit your role as a mother as well.

 

Michele: Take a few minutes to take care of yourself. That doesn’t mean your hair will always be blown out, or your makeup done, but make yourself feel good. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you are not you & should not feel proud or confident about how you look. It is not vain; it is human emotion & feeling good about yourself sets a positive tone for your child.

Joanna: If you're home, I think it's important to take a few minutes each day to actually get dressed! Throw on some mascara, do your hair, and just because you're home doesn't mean you need to stay in your pajamas all day! You'll feel better if you take some time for yourself.

Christy: It's definitely hard when you're thinking about everyone else but yourself, but take a long hot shower, schedule girls nights with friends, have date nights, and whenever you go out spruce yourself up with a splash of a favorite perfume/body spray or a "child safe" piece of jewelry! In order to feel put together, I think having outfits picked out the night before (or during nap time) helps! This way if you have a few minutes to get ready it's quick and easy!

Lisa: I'm a definitely a work in progress but there are certain things about my physical appearance that I really focus on, like my hair and nails. If those two areas are good then I'm good. It's also very important to stay in the loop with other mommy's via blogs and sites like ModernMom.com.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

*Exclusive Interview* RHONJ Makeup Artist: Priscilla DiStasio

I recently had the opportunity to interview celebrity makeup artist, Priscilla DiStasio. Priscilla started out as a young model and then successfully transitioned into a makeup artist where she has big-name clients such as Real Housewife of New Jersey, Teresa Giudice, and former RHONJ, Dina Manzo. She also does make up for photo shoots as well as special events. Priscilla gave us some insight into her personal world of beauty, fashion, fitness, and relationships.

What does your workout routine consist of?
I am very active. I'm either dancing, working out at the gym, or doing Bikram yoga, which is very intense but great for the mind and body. It's very peaceful.

How do you manage it all—gf/wife, mother, personal time?
Ha! I'm still trying to figure that one out! There just always seems to never be enough time in the day, to be honest, which means I sometimes lose a lot of sleep.

What healthy diet do you follow?
I've learned to use portion control and lately it's been a lot of grilled chicken and Tuna. I try to stay away from the carbs and all of the good stuff.

Do you have any guilty food pleasures?
Red velvet cupcakes and chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

What are your favorite pastimes?
My favorite pastime is spending time with my loved ones. Life is too short and you have to cherish every moment.

What can we find in your makeup bag?
Everything! My for sure "must haves" are my Chanel hydromaxx moisturizer, Clinique’s high lengths mascara, Terracotta's elumineur blush in sunny pink & spicy coral, BH cosmetics Tahitian tan bronzer, Nars taj mahal blush, Lip Fusion Infatuation lip gloss in angelic, & MAC's strip down lip liner and last select moisture cover concealer by MAC for that quick under eye natural coverage!

What skin and hair products do you swear by?
I will  have to keep this one simple because I have so many good ones but definitely hairspray by "Chi" and to be honest, Teresa's new hair care "Milania" is definitely something worth getting your hands on, just saying.

What are your go-to outfits?
My "go to outfits" on a regular day would probably be my leggings and a really comfortable oversized top. When I go out it’s a whole other story!

How do you keep your relationship/marriage happy and fresh?
Ha! Communication, feed each other well, and lots of loving! Try never to get too comfortable. It's not healthy for you or your relationship. You've got to stay on your game and keep your swag ladies!

Any mommy tips?
Since I became a mother back in "07" I've learned that kids are unpredictable. They have their good and bad days just like the rest of us! So on that note, I take it day by day, enjoy the good times and take deep breaths on the "not so good” days.

In your opinion, how can an “everyday woman” or “everyday mom” feel more glamorous and put together?
It's all about taking a few minutes a day to think about YOU!  Even though we are "moms" and "wives" and have all of these responsibilities and obligations, don't feel guilty about being just a little bit selfish. Whether you go for a walk or run to keep yourself fit, or go get a mani & pedi or your hair done, it's ok!! Everyone needs to find themselves. Having a family and a career and all of these other things in life that as a woman you are almost forced to put yourself last, it’s very easy to lose yourself. It's hard to find the time but it's there so you just have to make it happen.

Favorite quote?
"Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about dancing in the rain."

What do you want us to know about you? (Career/website)
Well, I am a makeup artist and I'm very passionate about what I do. I enjoy making people feel good and I find what I do very rewarding when I get to share special moments in some people’s lives. To keep up with me you can follow me on my website www.mspriscilla.net or mspriscillanyc on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! All the best to everyone in "2013!”

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

May is Mediterranean Diet Month!

May is Mediterranean Diet Month! This fourth annual month-long celebration was created by Oldways and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance. It generates excitement and awareness about the delicious foods and amazing health benefits associated with this vibrant lifestyle. Each year, more people discover the fabulous flavors and accessible, affordable foods that make up this remarkable way of eating. Check out my interview with Georgia Orcutt, the Program Manager for Oldways and the Mediterranean Foods Alliance, about the Mediterranean Diet and its many benefits. Also, be sure to visit the Oldways website, at http://www.oldwayspt.org/, for lots of valuable information about the diet and the organization.


Q. Can you explain the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid?

A. Oldways, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the European Office of the World Health Organization introduced the classic Mediterranean Diet in 1993 at a conference in Cambridge, MA, along with a Mediterranean Diet Pyramid graphic to represent it. This pyramid, a useful tool for illustrating the importance of this remarkable healthy total diet and lifestyle, was based on the dietary traditions of Crete, Greece and southern Italy circa 1960 at a time when the rates of chronic disease among populations there were among the lowest in the world, and adult life expectancy was among the highest.

Here’s how to follow this visual guide to the Mediterranean Diet, from the bottom to the top:

• Look for ways to become more active. Good food alone isn’t enough to support a healthy life. Cooking and enjoying the pleasures of the table with family and friends contribute to good health.

• Every day eat mostly vegetables, beans, whole grains, herbs, spices, nuts and peanuts, fruits, and include some healthy fats such as those found in olive oil. These are the core Mediterranean Diet foods.

• At least twice a week eat fish and seafood, which deliver heart-and-brain-healthy omega-3s.

• Eat moderate portions of yogurt, cheese, poultry and eggs daily to weekly.

• Red meat and sweets, at the top of the pyramid, are “sometimes” foods.

• Water and wine are typical Mediterranean Diet beverages. If you drink wine, enjoy moderate amounts: up to one glass per day for women, two for men. And drink water throughout the day.



Q. What are the scientific health benefits of the Med Diet?

A. The Mediterranean Diet has been studied and noted by scores of leading scientists as one of the healthiest diets in the world. The science behind the diet is corroborated by more than 50 years of epidemiological and experimental nutrition research. Evidence shows that the Mediterranean Diet can help you achieve weight loss and weight management goals; lower your risk of heart disease and high blood pressure; fight certain cancers and chronic diseases; reduce asthma; avoid diabetes; resist depression; and bring healthier babies into the world.



Q. How would you define the Med Diet?

A. The Mediterranean Diet reflects a way of eating that is traditional in the countries that surround the Mediterranean. It is not a diet, as in “go on a diet,” even though it is a great way to lose weight or improve your health. Rather, it is a lifestyle – including delicious, affordable, easy-to-cook foods, meals with friends and family, wine in moderation, and daily exercise.



Q. What are simple steps one can take for good health by following the Med Diet?

A. It’s easy to bring the remarkable health benefits and affordable Mediterranean style of eating to your kitchen cupboards, your refrigerator, your counter­tops, your stovetop, your oven, and your table every day. Embracing the Mediterranean Diet is all about making these simple but profound changes in the way you eat today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.

1. Eat lots of vegetables. There are so many choices! From a simple plate of sliced fresh tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and topped with crumbled feta cheese to stunning sal­ads, garlicky greens, fragrant soups and stews, healthy pizzas, or oven-roasted medleys, vegetables are vitally important to the fresh tastes and delicious flavors of the Med Diet. Can you fill half your plate with them at lunch and dinner?

2. Change the way you think about meat. If you eat meat, have smaller amounts. For example, add small strips of sirloin to a vegetable sauté, or garnish a dish of pasta with diced prosciutto. As a main course, have smaller portions (3 ounces or less) of chicken or lean meat.

3. Always eat breakfast. Start your day with fiber-rich foods such as fruit and whole grains that can keep you feeling pleasantly full for hours. Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit, or mash half an avocado with a fork and spread it on a slice of whole grain toast.

4. Eat seafood twice a week. Fish such as tuna, herring, salmon, and sardines are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and shellfish including mussels, oysters, and clams have similar benefits for brain and heart health.

5. Cook a vegetarian meal one night a week. Build these meals around beans, whole grains, and vegetables, and heighten the flavor with fragrant herbs and spices. When one night feels comfortable, try two nights per week.

6. Use good fats. Include sources of healthy fats in daily meals, especially extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, olives, and avocados.

7. Enjoy some dairy products. Eat Greek or plain yogurt, and try small amounts of a variety of cheeses.

8. For dessert, eat fresh fruit. Choose from a wide range of delicious fresh fruits—from fresh figs and oranges to pomegranates, grapes and apples. Instead of daily ice cream or cookies, save sweets for a special treat or celebration.



Q. What type of organization is Oldways?

 A. Oldways is a nonprofit food and nutrition education organization, with a mission to guide people to good health through heritage.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Balanced, Healthy Italian Diet, with Teresa Giudice

Recently, Teresa Giudice was featured in an article on Grub Street from nymag.com. This article shows her daily diet over the course of about a week. I am going to show how her choices fit my Healthy Italian philosophy of eating.

I believe that every meal should be balanced, including healthy carbs, protein, and fat. Also, correct portions are very important. Eating throughout the day--grazing versus gorging--is also essential. And because a balanced diet is encouraged, indulging in moderation is okay, and encouraged. Always be sure to choose as much fresh food, as opposed to processed food, when possible.

You can check out the full article here:


But I will go through her first day of food to portray how healthy eating is done.

For breakfast, Teresa eats a bowl of berries and a few scoops of peanut butter. The berries provide the carbs, and the peanut butter provides the protein and fat. For lunch, she has halibut, spinach, and cannellini beans. The halibut provides protein and fat, while the spinach and beans provide the carbs. She also indulges in a shared cannoli. For dinner, she has grilled chicken served with a salad of lettuce, almonds, cranberries, carrots and EVOO. The chicken provides the protein, the lettuce and carrots provide the carbs, and the almonds and EVOO provide the fat.

Teresa’s new book, Fabulicious: Fast & Fit, comes out in May 2012.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Italian Women Don't Get Fat...either

We've all heard of, and probably read, the book, French Women Don't Get Fat, but Italian women don't get fat either. Here are some more points from one of my Italian icons, Giada De Laurentiis, on how this is so.

Giada thinks we should all get back in the kitchen and start cooking the correct portions of real food.

"[In the] Italian culture, just like the French culture, we eat everything. The French eat a ton of cheese. Do they get fat? Italians eat pasta. Do they get fat? No. It's about portion control. Moderation."

"The number one question [I get asked] when I go on tour, 'How do you stay so thin?' I love to eat. What you see me tasting is pretty much all I've eaten. At that point, I might have two more bites after the camera goes off. I am not eating a ton of it. I savor every bite."

"This is the lifestyle I lead. The only thing I have to be careful about is sugar. I adore desserts. I watch that. If I overeat it one day, I'll under-eat it the next. That is how it works. It's not revolutionary."