The European Way of Life
Good evening everyone! I hope you all have a great night! Tonight, I want to share with you something I receive a lot through emails the European lifestyle and how French and Italian women seem to be in such great shape.
My dad served in the Air Force for more than 20 years. After my parents got married, they moved to Italy, where they lived for the next several decades. They returned to the USA shortly after having me. But, what they learned in Italy has been a huge influence on me over the past 22 years.
It was fun for me to share some tips and tricks that my parents taught me, along with some tips I learned from research on the European way of life.
Europe’s people walk a lot. My parents told me that they walk an average of 4-5 miles per day. It is rare for anyone to drive in Italy, or in cities. This realization didn’t occur to me until my boyfriend’s family adopted a German exchange student last year. He said he was going to the shop and he didn’t return until many hours later. He had actually walked all the distance to get to the store. He said that it made him appreciate the city and the stores more. This was amazing to me.
Many Europeans commute by bicycle. It is easy to commute by bike from and to work in these towns, which are bike-friendly. This is a great way to exercise!
It is much smaller here than in the States. A croissant from Starbucks is twice the size of one at an Italian bakery. A plate of pasta at The Olive Garden is usually 1/4 the size.
Europeans drink lots of water. My mom used to tell me that everyone in Europe drinks 8 glasses of water per day and that this is why everyone has very clear skin.
Families in Europe are often very active. My mom and dad tell me how active everyone in Europe was, whether it’s running marathons or going to the beach. This mindset is instilled from a young age. Children learn the importance of staying active and healthy. Tennis, swimming and other activities are great for getting everyone moving on weekends.
Europeans savor every bit of their food. This is one of my favorite aspects about European life and the one I try to emulate the most. A light breakfast is a common part of a European day. This could be a croissant, a piece of toast, or muesli. Lunch is usually either a salad or sandwich. Europeans reserve their largest meal for the evening’s end, which is usually at 8pm. My mom always told me that European women don’t feel guilty about having gelato (my favorite), wine or buttery croissants. They enjoy every bite and don’t feel guilty for a little indulgence.
European food is not subject to the same preservatives that American food. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is not used. Italian restaurants are known for having their own vegetable gardens at the back of their establishments. They cook entirely with fresh ingredients.
Fast food is not something European women are likely to eat. This is a rare occurrence. It is very rare. Families value the joy of cooking together, and the satisfaction that comes with growing your own food and making your meals from scratch.
Italian women don’t count calories or obsess over slurges. They will eat a heavier meal for lunch and a lighter dinner for dinner if they don’t feel like it.
There you have it! These are just some of the many wonderful tips my parents have given me. My weight maintenance has been a result of following this lifestyle throughout my entire life. It is important to eat everything in moderation, and enjoy every bite of food. Sharing a meal with people I love is my favorite thing. My dog and I go for long walks at least once a day. My goal is to live fully and enjoy every moment of my life!
I prefer to buy organic products, cook as often as possible, and purchase high quality cheeses, breads and wines. I try to avoid artificial products as much as possible. It makes me feel great to know what the ingredients are on labels. You can eat a few cookies every now and again, but it won’t make you gain weight. I have been blessed to have parents who were Italian and helped me remain open-minded about food and life.
