A page from the Italians

After cycling class on Monday a few of us became engaged in a conversation about our Mother's Day food indulgences. It turned into a conversation about Italians and their daily indulgences. They (Italians) eat rich food, drink plenty of wine, and always have dessert. But, somehow the Italians don't have the weight and health issues as Americans. Hmm...How is this possible? Here's what I think...

For starters, they eat fresh, seasonal food. No processed, boxed stuff. If it's not fresh, local then no-go.

• They take their time with their food. There's no rush -- no half hour lunch breaks and then zip back to the office to sit. Their meals can go on for hours.

• They eat their meals in courses. The food is served on separate plates. One dish at a time. By eating, one dish at a time, they're concentrating on the goodness of each dish. Also, this means the food has time to digest.  

• Eating is social. It's about catching up on the day's events, laughing, and enjoying one another and the food. No sitting in front of a computer or TV and eating solo. No. No. Food is about togetherness. Nothing like a meal shared.

• They walk -- everywhere. Repeat: They walk -- everywhere.

• And finally for the Italians -- it's quality over quantity. No big gulps. No super-size. No massive plates piled high. The food they eat is excellent so they don't feel the need to overindulge. They are not gluttonous.

Italians indulge daily -- in food, excellent food, conversation, laughter, and they walk everywhere their feet will carry them.