Simplicity, balance, and quality ingredients are three staples of Italian cuisine, and they are Italians’ secret to their healthy lifestyle. When we deconstruct the signature dishes of true Italian cuisine, we find that these three factors are characteristically present.

Simplicity

Simplicity may be the most surprising element of Italian cooking. When we see a perfectly-crafted Italian dish, we may think that a complex cooking techniques and state-of-the-art technology allowed chefs to cook their ingredients to perfection. Yet the best Italian chefs today continue to rely on simple secrets and supplies from “Nonna’s cooking” rather than high-tech gadgets. Wooden spoons, rolling pins, colanders, and graters are more likely than fancy cookware to be found in the best Italian kitchens in the world.

Simplicity characterizes the cooking tools, the ingredients, and the style of eating Italian food, alike. Eating in the true Italian fashion means slowing down, eating mindfully, and simply tasting the full flavors of our food. The simplicity of slow, mindful eating allows Italians to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors of their food. Moreover, slow, mindful eatingleads to healthy digestion, and it decreases the likelihood of overeating.

Balance

Balance is just as important as simplicity in bringing health to the Italian lifestyle and perfect taste to the Italian cuisine. Just as Italians learn how to find the perfect balance of zesty heirloom tomato acidity with the umami richness of parmesan cheese, Italians learn intuitively how to find a healthy balance of work and family time in their lives.

Quality ingredients

Finally, quality ingredients are the last secret found both in delicious Italian cuisine and healthy Italian lifestyle. Italian cooking is characterized by its reliance on market-fresh vegetables and fruits for flavor. By buying fresh, locally, and in-season, the produce in Italian food is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory-rich. Thus, high-quality ingredients bring both health and delicious taste to Italian lifestyle.