Giada De Laurentiis Talks About Diet and Food

One of my Italian icons, Giada De Laurentiis, was recently interviewed by www.signonsandiego.com about how she stays so slim while cooking—and eating—Italian food. Here is her answer:

"Italian food is actually good, healthy, fresh food. Extremes are never a good thing. You need to find some kind of balance in your life. I don’t eat a lot, but I eat anything I want. I’m a chocoholic. If you ask me something that I crave every single day of my life it is chocolate, in some form. Do I allow myself to have it every day? Yes. If I go overboard one day, I scale it back the next. Can you eat pasta? Yes. You just can’t eat a pound. When you go out to eat, eat whatever you want, but try to ask for appetizer-size portions. Or if you want to get a main course portion have them pack up half of it and take it home. Our portions are so big. Europeans do not eat those portions, they just don’t. We consume too much." 

Right on Giada! This is exactly the Healthy Italian message.

Italian Exercise versus American Exercise

There are Italians who go to the gym and use equipment to stay in shape, and there are Americans who love non-traditional forms of exercises, but I thought it would be interesting to give a traditionally Italian alternative to common exercises Americans perform. It provides a different way to look at exercise and maybe it’ll inspire you to incorporate other movement into your daily lives. Bottom line is to be active in any way that you enjoy.

Americans like to spend hours on the treadmill, elliptical machine, rowing machine, or recumbent bike.

Italians like to walk or bike everywhere. Whether it’s to and from the local market or taking a stroll after a meal, using their legs and feet as a form of transportation is often favored compared to driving a car or a Vespa.

Americans like to lift weights or use the weight machines at the gym.

Italians lift their groceries and their children, they enjoy keeping a well-kept home by doing chores, they knead their bread and pasta dough, they stir their homemade sauces, and they tend to their gardens and flowers.

Americans like to do squats and lunges.

Italians like to walk up and down the hilly streets to visit their families and friends.

Americans like to do endless crunches and sit ups.

Italians love to laugh. (A great ab exercise!)

Americans like to watch TV to relax.

Italians like to dance to let loose and relax.

Many Americans are in love, but Italians are known for love, and we all know that love is slimming!

Warm Weather Workouts

The Spring is finally here and Summer is around the corner. When the warm weather hits, everyone gets into full-on workout and diet mode. By now, you all know that crazy and obsessive diets and workouts are not my cup of espresso, but that being said, it's still very important to eat a Healthy Italian diet and to be active daily.

I'm going to try and get up a little earlier before work to get my workout in. This way, I'll start the day doing something good for myself and will hopefully gain more energy. Then, I won't have to worry about doing it after work. I can enjoy my family and friends more. But, I will also resolve to move more during the day. For example, I'll take the stairs instead of the elevator, and I'll take a walk at lunch to get my blood flowing.

What are your warm weather resolutions?

Fresh and Healthy Italian Recipes!

There is nothing better than refreshing and healthy Italian food that's beneficial to your health—and figure ;)

Try these for lunch, dinner, or as a satisfying snack!


"Insalata Caprese"

Ingredients:
4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
fine sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
On a large platter, alternate and overlap the tomato slices, mozzarella cheese slices, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper.


"Prosciutto and Melon"

Ingredients:
1 melon, cut into 6 wedges
18 paper-thin prosciutto slices

Directions:
Cut melon into wedges. Drape prosciutto slices over each melon wedge, and serve!

How I Stay Healthy & Fit

My whole brand is based on staying healthy and fit, but I just wanted to write an easy, go-to blog that can help anyone get started on this path.

First, you really need to be grateful for your body and let go of all the negative talk and unrealistic goals.  Be proud of yourself that you want to make a positive change and be grateful for what you already have.  It all begins with your attitude and mindset. 

Second, take a look at how you are feeding your body.  I have a few things that I take into account when it comes to my nutrition: Fresh, Whole foods; Balance; Portion Control/Moderation. 

• Always choose the freshest, most whole foods that you can find.  Avoid or limit the processed, fat-free, sugar-free foods.
• Make sure to eat balanced meals: fruits/veggies, grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, low-fat dairy, beans, nuts...basically, an array of foods.
• Watch your portions.  Learn about correct portion sizes of different foods.  Have more of the good stuff, and less of the "bad" stuff.  Never deprive yourself, but try to have small portions or a few bites of the more decadent foods.  Instead of a whole chocolate cake, have a small slice.  Instead of a whole pizza pie, have a slice or two.

Third is exercise.  Daily movement is important.  Add it into your day.  Take a walk at lunch, lift weights while watching TV, take a fun dance class...just keep active.

It's that simple!  Cheers to a healthy life!

Book Manuscript Update

Hello! So, I'm back from my honeymoon and everything was perfect! We enjoyed every moment of it. :)

As I had some time away from writing my book manuscript, I began to rethink how I actually wanted to do this. At first, I wanted the book to be lots of information, but as my writing is evolving, I am leaning more towards the food, the Italian lifestyle, and telling an actual story with recipes, while peppering in tips and information. I have lots to say, but I don't want it to get overwhelming.

I have to say, writing a book manuscript—and the whole book process—is harder than I thought! But, it is a goal of mine, and I will push forward. In the meantime, I'd love feedback.

But keep enjoying my sites for everything Healthy Italian:
www.facebook.com/healthyitalian
www.joannagalli.com

Grazie!