Believe it or not, authentic Italian cuisine can be very healthy as common ingredients include olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish, meats, and more. With that being said, these ingredients can come with creamy sauces, cheeses, and bread.
Here are five ways to enjoy Italian food while also staying healthy:
Keep It Simple
Simplicity and homemade are essential features of healthy Italian cuisine. Many at-home recipes call for processed year-round ingredients. Sticking to seasonal ingredients will help make your dishes more flavorful and nutritious. At The Venetian in Weymouth, MA, Chef Paul King serves your family favorites with seasonal and house-made ingredients.
Don’t Skip the Salad, Do Skip the Bread.
Salads are a trendy addition to any Italian meal – salads go well with both lunch and dinner. This delicious course full of vegetables is a great way to enjoy Italian cuisine while getting great nutrition. In addition to adding a salad to your meal, consider skipping the bread basket. Garlic bread and bread sticks on the table can consume more calories than you may even realize.
Pasta Is Not Bad
Beyond popular belief, pasta is an excellent source of carbohydrates that our body needs. Make sure to consider portion sizes, sauces, and any added cheeses if you are trying to be healthy. If cooking pasta at home, measure the amount of pasta and add plenty of vegetables such as artichoke, eggplant, and broccoli. Sharing larger pasta dishes when out to eat or ordering tomato-based red sauces instead of cream-based sauces is also a great way to stay healthy when out to eat.
Eat More Fish
Lastly, fish is always a healthy option when eating and exploring new foods. Italy is a Mediterranean peninsula. Therefore seafood is essential to the Italian diet. Including dishes in your diet that are high in omega-3s at least 2 or 3 times can be a great source of nutrition. You can add them to other dishes, including pasta dishes, pizzas, or salads.
Visit The Venetian in Weymouth, MA
If you want to enjoy Italian cuisine while also staying healthy, visit The Venetian in Weymouth, MA, for fresh, local cuisine. We have salads, fish dishes, homemade pasta dishes, and much more. Visit our website to read our menu and make reservations!