Nutrition Q&A From Italy

Recently I had the privilege to be asked nutrition advice from a Milan, Italy student working on her high school project.  I thought I would share with you the interaction from the other side of the world. Knowing the farm to table approach of the Italian diet for generations, the American diet is lacking in comparison so I thought it was intriguing that she asked an American nutritionist!

Question 1: In a person’s everyday diet, which type of food do you believe must absolutely not be absent and why?

A must in every person’s diet everyday should be vegetables and fruits. The phytonutrients we get from these foods help fight free radicals which lead to disease.  I like to tell my clients to “Eat From the Rainbow”….read more here about that philosophy: http://nakedtruthnutritionist.com/wp/articles/eat-from-the-rainbow

Question 2:  In the light of healthy eating, what is your view on using food from other countries than one’s own?

The more varied your diet the better; so yes, eat from every country possible!  I take part in a dinner club where we select a different region from around the world and make their traditional dishes – not only does it expand your creativity but it expands your taste buds! I like trying a new fruit or vegetable every month (depending upon the season) and try preparing it different ways depending upon what my internet research reveals. Spices from around the world are a great way to liven up foods with flavor without added calories from fat.

Question 3: What is your view on vegetarian diets?

Vegetarian diets can be just as nutritionally balanced as omnivore diets; especially with all the great vegetarian alternatives available in grocery stores today.  The key is moderation in all that we eat and to eat a varied diet (again, Eat From the Rainbow).  Also, new research has shown that diets lower in animal products have decreased risk of cancer (http://nakedtruthnutritionist.com/wp/eat-more-veggies-and-lower-cancer-risk).

The thing we need to get back, especially us Americans, is eating at home. Recent research found people who eat more of their meals at home tend to be less heavy than those who frequently eat out. Cooking at home is a great way to not only to save money but to optimize your health. Inflated portions of foods high in calories, fat, sugar and salt, and low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, are common fare when you eat out.