The Mamma Mia! Diet by Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn

Author:Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hatherleigh Press
Published: 2018-03-07T08:32:20+00:00

Here are some simple rules to adopt before and at the restaurant to make your meal a pleasant and healthy experience.

Plan ahead. What should you do before going to the restaurant?

Look up the restaurant’s menu online to review the options available and make reservations. Waiting at the bar for a table will increase your hunger and you carry the temptation to have an aperitivo drink before your meal, often with unhealthy snacks.

Choose starters with caution.

Although they are delicious, these will increase the total amount of calories for your meal. To stay on something healthy, choose vegetables with vinaigrette (in Italy, it this is called pinzimonio). They are often accompanied by cold cuts and cheese spreads, but try to stick to vegetables. If there is some cheese in the dish, ask for something light; for example, feta.

Choose something healthy.

A large salad is a good choice. Feel free to add some grilled chicken, tuna steak, or good grains (quinoa, spelt, millet, buckwheat). These types of salads are usually my favorite choices. Be careful to order the right sauce and ask for it on the side so that you can add just the right amount. In most restaurants in Italy, salad dressings such as extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, and salt are brought to the table, allowing you to choose your dressing. Avoid fatty salads. This this is a light course, to be kept tasty but healthy. That means avoiding anything in a creamy sauce (like coleslaw, pasta salads, and potato salads). Instead, load up on the raw vegetables, or treat yourself to a few well-drained marinated vegetables (artichoke hearts, red peppers, or mushrooms) and, for a change, add in some fruits or nuts. Also watch out for any the add-ons to vegetable salads. Many salads are come loaded with cheese and cured meat. You can add to your salad some grilled chicken, tuna steak, or good grains.

Choose a simple pasta dish.

If you are craving pasta, choose a very simple one. In any case, I would recommend eating pasta in a restaurant in rather than outside Italy—unless, of course, it is run by Italians. Cooking pasta is an art, and not many restaurants have perfected the skill. Beware of pasta that is overcooked and loaded with sauces, such as Fettucine with Alfredo sauce, spaghetti with meatballs, and macaroni and cheese. However, I would categorize them as more Italian-American; they are not typical of classic Italian food. In any case, avoid pasta sauces that contain cream and a lot of fat. It is preferable to choose pasta with tomato sauce or vegetable sauce prepared from scratch. I would also avoid “Carbonara” and those sauces made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream. If you’re concerned about the amount of carbs you are having, it is better you stick to grilled meat, fish, and vegetables.

Go for chicken, fish or beef.

Ask for grilled, not fried or stir-fried. Avoid the breading and the fillings. As a side dish, remain faithful to salads or vegetables instead of French fries or potatoes au gratin with cheese.

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