Italy is considered one of the healthiest counties in the world by the Bloomberg Global Health Index. However, the Italian economy is in bad shape, and unemployment in the country is high. People all over the world wonder how Italians can live such healthy lives in such a bad economy, and the answers are likely to be tied to their eating habits. This paper will examine their eating habits based on the principles of nutrition.
Italian Eating Habits
Eating habits of the Italian people involve a variety of food groups, most of which contain a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water. They include such foods as vegetables, fruits, beans, tomatoes, fish, poultry, whole grains, dairy products, red wine, and olive oil. Red meat and carbohydrates are kept to a minimum. However, chicken, turkey, and fish are often eaten. Fat is present only in a small portion of products, and the majority of energy comes from relatively healthy foods (Prinelli et al., 2015). This is consistent with the principles of human nutrition. Eating habits themselves are also good for Italians. In the morning they eat very light food that is full of energy such as small biscuits or cereals. Then they eat a variety of lunches depending on personal taste, such as sandwiches and salads, pasta, and chicken with vegetables. Dinners are balanced and include major food groups. Also, Italians do not overeat and often cook at home. They eat sweets if they want, but usually, they prefer fruits after dinner (Vito, 2016). The act of eating food is performed at a leisurely pace, which is also good for their digestion. Overall, they eat good food in healthy ways, which can explain their complexion and high levels of health (Marangoni et al., 2015).
Conclusion
Italy may be the healthiest country on the planet, and it reached this status without having a great economy or high levels of employment. Italians eat a balanced diet which is confirmed to be healthy by the application of nutrition principles. Their eating habits are focused on the relaxed and slow eating of multiple types of foods, and they rarely overeat. Their lives are very impressive considering the state of their economy.
References
Marangoni, F., Corsello, G., Cricelli, C., Ferrara, N., Ghiselli, A., Lucchin, L., & Poli, A. (2015). Role of poultry meat in a balanced diet aimed at maintaining health and wellbeing: an Italian consensus document. Food & Nutrition Research, 59(1), 27606.
Prinelli, F., Yannakoulia, M., Anastasiou, C. A., Adorni, F., Santo, S. G. D., Musicco, M., … Leite, M. L. C. (2015). Mediterranean diet and other lifestyle factors in relation to 20-year all-cause mortality: A cohort study in an Italian population. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(6), 1003–1011.
Vito, V. (2016). This is why Italians don’t get fat. Web.