Pizza and Pasta? Yes, I Did, and You Can Too!

I just returned from a wonderful week in Italy filled with amazing food, breathtaking sights, and delightful wine. And the best part? I didn't gain any weight!

(Let’s be clear - the scale is not a good measurement of your overall health. It’s simply a data point you can use on your journey, as long as the number doesn’t make/break your day)

If you're curious about how you can achieve the same, keep reading, and I'll share my secrets with you.

Secret #1:The PFC3 Lifestyle

One of the key factors that helped me maintain balance during my culinary adventure was the PFC3 lifestyle. I’ve been living it for a dozen years and it makes a difference   The longer you follow it, the easier it will be for your body to bounce back after an indulgent meal. 

This approach focuses on balancing protein, fat, and carbs in each meal, rather than sticking to a deprivation -based diet. You eat within an hour of waking up and have regular meals every three to four hours until about an hour before bedtime which contributes to maintaining balance. By adopting this lifestyle, you can savor all the delicious food without stressing about gaining weight.

Secret #2: Mindful eating

While indulging in the culinary delights of Italy, I practiced mindful eating. For instance, after a cooking class, when we were enjoying the eggplant parm we made, I realized halfway through the dish that I was satisfied and didn't need to finish it all. This mindful approach to eating allows you to enjoy everything (including desserts each day) without feeling the need to overindulge

Secret #3: Physical Activity

Engaging in physical activity is essential for overall well-being. During my time in Italy, I took advantage of the opportunity to explore the town by going for invigorating hill walks. My daily walks became a fun way to discover new parts of the town while incorporating exercise into my routine.

Secret #4: Quality Ingredients

Although we may not have complete control over the ingredients in our food, making intentional choices can make a difference. In Italy, I noticed a significant difference in the quality of ingredients, such as fresh flour used to make pasta, which contained less gluten compared to what is commonly found in the United States. Choosing ingredients with fewer additives and pesticides can positively impact our bodies' inflammatory response.

Secret #5: Wine Selection

In Italy, I had the pleasure of experiencing wine made from biodynamically farmed organic grapes. This high-quality wine didn't leave me with any unpleasant effects the next morning. In the United States, we also have the opportunity to choose better-quality wines, which can enhance our overall experience. (Drop me a note if you want info about my local faves)

My trip to Italy was an incredible culinary adventure, and the best part is I got to learn how to cook some local recipes, enjoy a great week with my kiddo, and explore a new spot in the world. And because of how I live my life, I also returned without gaining any weight. By embracing the PFC3 lifestyle, practicing portion control, mindful eating, engaging in physical activity, and making mindful choices about ingredients, you too can enjoy a week of great food without stressing about weight gain. Want to learn more about this? Let’s schedule a complementary call to chat about it. 

Remember, you can live a life you love without feeling hungry or deprived. Ciao for now!