When I first came to Italy over 10 years ago, like most young women, I was concerned about wearing a bikini. After all, I was coming at the height of summer and going to the beach was to be part of my daily routine. Before arriving, I dieted and worked out all with the goal to flaunt my “perfect” bikini figure in a cute teal bikini accented with wooden beads. I pictured myself taut and tan, with a six pack and perfectly sculpted arms bathing on the beach in the South of Italy.
When I finally made my first trip down to beach, I was shocked at what I saw … in a good way. All my life, I saw Italian women (I’m Italian American) as the ideal. Always dressed up, constantly in high heels, gorgeous clothing and even more perfect figures. But sitting on that Italian beach, I saw nothing could be further from the truth.
Women of all shapes and sizes and ages were wearing bikinis. And not just wearing them, but proudly flaunting their figures in bikinis.
In my younger days, I was so preoccupied with my appearance.
I went on every trendy diet that popped up: cutting carbs, removing sugar, the cookie diet, the shake diet, you name it, I tried it. I constantly worked out — sometimes multiple times a day.
You will not see an Italian woman following any of these stupid fad diets. They eat what they want, when they want it. If they want a bowl of pasta at lunch with a glass of wine, they’re gonna eat it. And even more importantly, they’re not going to feel guilty about it.
Now that I've adapted the slow Italian lifestyle, I've truly created a connection between my mind and body.
I’m not the only American woman living here who has found it refreshing regarding body image.
Nikki Taylor of La Dolce Vita Lifestyle Magazine credits the Italian lifestyle for helping her finally overcome the eating disorder that she struggled with for over 20 years.
“I was constantly in a cycle of either extreme dieting or binge eating, along with a severe body dysmorphia and all the mental health issues that come along with that,” says Taylor. “It wasn't until I moved to Italy that I learned to appreciate food, to enjoy long lunches with friends and family and slowly healed myself from my eating disorder. There are days when I know I have really over done it and the old patterns try to creep back, but I then realize I am living in a country where food is such a huge part of culture and lifestyle and I remember how far I have come on my journey.”
Italians, in general, view food as a love affair. A necessity. Something that fuels the body and the soul.
Food is never looked at as off limits or the enemy, the way we tend to look at it in America. Living here and adapting to this mind set has taught me how to accept the body I have and that nothing is off limits. With that mindset, I’ve not only never gone on another diet since arriving here, but I’ve actually managed to stay in relatively good shape.
And the mindset is essential to leading that balanced life.
Jenn Overstreet, a fitness and food coach at Overstreet Wellness tells CafeMom that living in Italy has taught her that her body is her forever home. Jenn herself struggled with body image issues as young as 10 years old.
“The focus on dieting isn’t as prevalent here in Italy, or at least I’m not exposed to it," she says. "I see families enjoying long, leisurely lunches savoring each other’s company and the food. Eating is a religion, and one that I am now devoted to. Eating in Italy is so much more than slamming down a meal in the car on the way to work. It’s a sacred ritual meant to be enjoyed. My body is my healthiest. My mind is free.”
Italians don't rush through a meal, as we tend to do in the US.
As Jenn pointed out, Italians do not rush through a meal, as we often tend to do in the US. Here, I eat with a relaxed mindset. There is no eating at the desk or rushing through a meal. You sit down to a meal to feel pleasure and relaxation. That alone, helps you eat more calmly, as opposed to shoving food down your mouth because you have a short lunch break.
Italian women are also pretty good at “going with flow.” If they set aside time to work out, for example, and don’t manage to, they’re not going to beat themselves up over it. Once you relax your mind and ease into life, your body automatically starts to relax as well.
So be Italian. Eat the pasta. Drink the glass of wine. And enjoy life at a slower pace. Your mind and body will thank you.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
