Globe-trotting can feel a little overwhelming for the health conscious. Before your trip, check out this guide to eating in Italy.
There’s no better place in the world to eat than in Italy. The aromas and flavors will have you gliding through restaurant doors before you even know what you’re doing.
The food is delicious and it’s around every corner, but it can be difficult to find healthy and green-conscious recipes while you’re traveling. Here are some tips for eating in Italy.
Stick to Local Dishes
You can expect to find pizza and pasta wherever you look while you’re traveling in Italy. However, there will be dishes that are specific to the areas you’re in. Eating local dishes is a great way to ensure the ingredients you’re eating are fresh.
If you’re unsure of what to order, ask the locals what they would recommend. People who eat in the area regularly will be able to suggest dishes and the best restaurants to visit.
Perfect Timing
You’re probably used to being able to walk into a restaurant whenever suits you, but it won’t always work like that as you travel through Italy. Generally, small restaurants only open for an hour or two at lunch.
Similarly, they don’t usually open until 7 pm and often shut as early as 9 pm- especially in the quieter villages. You’ll also find that convenience stores shut during the afternoons too, so it’s important to plan your meals around this.
Indulge in Vegetables
You already know that Italian pizzas are delicious, but you probably didn’t know that Italians cook vegetables just as well. If you’re conscious about what you’re eating while you’re away, be sure yo order a side of vegetables with every meal.
From gorgeous spring beans to mushrooms and tomatoes, you’ll have your pick of the freshest produce. If you just can’t resist a pizza, ask your pizzeria to add a selection of healthy toppings. Spinach is always an excellent choice!
Do as the Italians Do
When it comes to healthy eating and drinking, the Italians have it down to a fine art. If you like to drink your coffee in the morning, why not change it up while you’re on vacation?
For example, while taking a tour of Florence, you may notice that the locals drink small cups of espresso while dining out. It’s typical for Italians to drink an espresso at the end of each meal. This short, sharp burst of caffeine is much healthier than continued large cups of coffee throughout the day.
Avoid the Bread
Italian restaurants generally offer bread and oil at the beginning of your meal and it can add up if you’re traveling Italy over a few days. Eating the amount of bread that will be offer can lead to feeling bloated or sluggish and it’s an easy way to put on weight.
Eating in Italy: The Temptations
It can be hard to stay health-conscious when eating in Italy but that’s why it’s so important to watch what the locals do. Italians are some of the healthiest people in the world, so they must be doing something right. Take a look at some more tips for staying healthy while traveling right here on our blog.
