John’s recent post on his travels to Italy reminded me of a few things I noticed when I was over there. Italians are very different from Americans in some ways, and it’s definitely worth contrasting the two cultures when thinking about public health issues. If I had to guess why there is less obesity, I would agree with John’s points about fresh food and activity, and also add this: Italians have much lower stress than Americans.
My wife Arabella and I recently returned from a trip to Italy to visit our 21-year-old son, Macgill, who has been studying in Rome for the semester. We had traveled to Italy once before and knew that we were going to be in for some great eating experiences. We were not disappointed! What really distinguishes the local cuisine in Italy from American fare is the consistent use of fresh ingredients and the reasonable portions. Add in the fact that Italians walk more and sit less and you can see how we might learn something about health from them.
Easy to discover in the old port area, East coast living means fresh seafood. And this is not only a touristic hook or a food staple, it’s part of local culture and pride. Mainers take special joy in cracking lobsters open and savoring the succulent, sweet, pink-colored flesh, and so have I at my very first lobster bake.
Like any well-meaning but clueless tourist schmuck, I found myself tempted to Google “Florida Keys food” before my trip there last week. My trip was intended to be the perfect foil to my 18-day winter catering gig at the very top of Maine last month. Sun-drenched and breezy, the Keys were everything I imagined. I felt like an extra in a Jimmy Buffet video while hanging out on the lanai in a sarong, and constantly checking tiki bar clock—the clock with nothing but the number five. That part of the trip was blissfully—and fortunately–predictable. The dining plans? Not so much. Though I had some great recommendations from friends and blogs, I was a little mystified by the Keys. I knew good things awaited me, but I had a mental block about how to best avail myself of the possibilities.
We try to watch what we eat and be healthy. We have our routines and meals reasonably planned out. When we travel, the routines and diets we are accustom to can be completely derailed.
Here are a few ideas to keep fitness in mind when you are on the road…
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