Better Flavor Less Bites- week 18
A friend just got back from Italy and she lost 3 pounds! Based on her food pics and description of what she ate, she indulged and enjoyed as she should on vacation with alcohol and gelato too!
"She must have walked a lot and been very active", commented someone that I spoke with about this. True! She was active and had long busy days but, she is an active girl at home who goes to a HIIT class several times a week as a part of her routine so this is more about the food. ( IMO)
Gelato in Italy is a great example of better flavor in less bites. It is so rich, creamy and full of flavor that they serve it in small cups with a tiny spoon that I love. You take small, savory bites and by the time you are done eating this decadent, rich treat you are satiated. Come to think of it, even at home when we order one or two decadent desserts for the table we are all satiated after a few savory bites. ( Better flavor less bites)
For those that eat a lot of low fat foods, they are less satisfying and definitely have less flavor. ( Think low fat cheeses for example) Maybe the answer is better flavor, less bites with cheese too.
In Italy, the portions sizes are smaller and the flavors are not just better, they are healthier. The European Union has much stricter guidelines for what can go into food products.Their philosophy is called From Farm to Fork which I love!
According to the European Union website and paraphrased well by volunteer card.com, Europeans maintain higher food safety regulations.This is what the EU says about their food policy:The EU’s food safety policy covers food from farm to fork. It is designed to guarantee:
1. safe, nutritious food & animal feed 2. high standards of animal health & welfare & plant protection 3. clear information on the origin, content/ labelling & use of food.
Additionally, the University of Michigan states:
“In nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, Japan, and all countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production and sale of GM food.”
Combined, these strict food regulations protect against possible, harmful effects that derive from artificial substances Americans routinely inject in their foods–and ingest in their bodies.
In Italy, they eat pasta as an appetizer and the portion size on average is 100 g which translates to about 1 cup of pasta. This is much smaller than the large portions we are served here. Some restaurants will accommodate half orders of pasta and of course there is always the side order of pasta.
As an advocate of always getting enough fiber in each meal, if given a choice, I prefer a side order of vegetables and tasting or sharing a delicious pasta with whomever I am with.
Mindful indulgences should be just that, mindful!
Savor every bite and eat real Whole Foods for better flavor and less bites.
The obesity problem that we have here is not as severe in Europe. It has been rising there though too, as more fast food options and processed foods make their way abroad. So maybe following their strict guidelines of what you put in your body could benefit everyone regarding health, wellness and weight. (and avoiding processed and fast foods)
According to the National Institute of Health, Nearly 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight. More than 1 in 3 men (34.1%) and more than 1 in 4 women (27.5%) are overweight. More than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) have obesity (including severe obesity).About 1 in 11 adults (9.2%) have severe obesity.
I am out tonight and away this weekend and next.
I look forward to many mindful indulgences and curious to see how I feel adding back in some of the foods I have eliminated to see how I feel. (will let you know)
As always, Fill Up On Healthy and have less room for the other stuff!
Regards and Thanks for Coming,
Paula Gladstone
*DISCLAIMER: While Paula Gladstone is a certified Health Coach from Precision Nutrition, this website does not provide medical or nutritional advice. The blog and related articles have been developed for informational purposes only. The content on this website and blog does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, nutritionist, dietitian or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding certain dietary needs or restrictions before proceeding with a new diet or health care regimen.