Italy Trip

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2005
Italy Trip
8
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 10:10am

Hi everyone! Just checking back in. Since my graduation, I decided to continue on Phase 2. I dropped the 2 lbs that I had gained (in 2 days), and have lost another 2 lbs! I have also started to take vitamins by a company called Murad. The company was started by a dermatologist, and their philosophy is that the better your cells retain water, the tighter and healthier your skin will be, and the slower you will age. They use vitamin supplements and topical gels to firm up your skin...and i Swear, I have only been using it for 2 days and I already feel a difference in my skin. The whole product line is very interesting...I encourage everyone to check it out.

The main reason that I am posting, however, is that on Sunday, my mom and I are travelling to Italy for about 3 weeks! It is going to be amazing...I am so excited! We are going to Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Siena, and...for the last 4 days...we are staying at a spa in the middle of Tuscany where they prepare whollistic, organic food, have a full gym, offer all types of workout classes like yoga and pilates, and have guided hikes through the countryside! Can you imagine?

Although the trip is going to be amazing, and I dont want to bogg my mind down with my weight the whole time, I am worried about maintaining my current results, as I have come so far and have worked so hard to get to this point. I know I will be walking all day, and I have heard that all restaurants serve half portions. Has anyone been to Italy or have any tips on dealing with going away for so long?

Thanks so much again, for all the support and information,

Sophie

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 12:37pm

Hi Sophie, I haven't been to Italy, but my husband lived there for three years in the past.


From what I've heard, real Italian food is much healthier than American-Italian.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2002
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 12:42pm

Here is the past "Daily Dish" I was thinking of, regarding healthy real Italian/Mediterranean food.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-31-2005
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 1:28pm

Sophie,
How exciting that you are going to Italy. I haven't been there yet, but I have a trip to Rome and Florence scheduled for Oct 2-14 (with Kay Arthur of Precepts Ministries). I'm really excited about it and can't wait to hear how you do with your WOE while you are gone.

About five years ago, I went to Greece (also with Kay) and I understand the Greeks' diet is similar to the Italians', focusing on the Mediterranean way of eating. I thought it was interesting that they ate green salads for breakfast. Lots and Lots of olives with everything. I also remember how good the desserts were. You might be tempted in Italy, but just plan on limited treats - and the two bite rule.

Lee

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2006
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 2:22pm
Oh I LOVE Italy... been there twice... If I had to go back now being on SBD, I would definitely say my biggest weakness would be the Gelato. It's ice cream, but SOOO much better. Just for the experience alone, I would say you really should try it, BUT if you have it the first day, you'll want to have it everyday (I did when I was there!) My advice would be, try it at the END of your trip. That way you wont be tempted the whole time. You really should experience how amazing it is, but you dont want to get yourself off-track. They have the stands all over every major city... and they usually come in small little cups, so if you're walking around sight seeing, you'll probably burn all the calories. Also you might be able to get free samples- just a spoonful so you can at least taste it... thats why the European women are so skinny, they eat sweets but just a couple bites and thats it. I would say avoid it, but its really something you cant miss. As for the rest of the food, they have small portions, but most of the restaurants serve 3-5 course meals. And unlike here, they usually serve the salad AFTER dinner. So I would say save room for your salad when on your main course. Also a lot of the cafes serve pizza for lunch, but its not the kind of pizza we're used to... its very very thin crust, brick oven style, with fresh tomatoes (no sugary sauces) and fresh mozerella. Actually to them its more of an appetizer or a bread, but its SO thin, an American could eat the entire pizza pie as a meal! To sum this all up- for the most part, you should be fine with the selection of foods, but you will be tempted to eat certain things. If you must, having a little bite here and there is not going to kill you, especially with all the exercise you'll be doing. Just remember to eat like a European and not an American! Have the will power to not take a second bite... Good luck, and have fun! Don't think about food so much- try to distract yourself with the amazing art/architecture/history and other sites you'll be seeing. There's so much to take in that food will be the last thing on your mind!!!
Avatar for kimmieindallas
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 7:31pm

alycat -


I've never been to Italy (only Paris/Normandy for 24 hours, Denmark, and UK a lot).

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2006
In reply to: sophiek51
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 10:34pm
I'm almost positive they use white flour. But the thing is, everything is handmade and tastes a million times better than anything you'll eat over here. Pasta is served before dinner usually in a tiny dish, and its handmade pasta- not the kind in the box... have like 2 or 3 pieces and then put it aside. (WILLPOWER!) You honestly can't go there and not at least try things...trust me it wont work! But just have a taste now and then and try to stick to the diet the rest of the time. You don't have to get thrown off track from a vacation, but the experience is worth a tiny bit of cheating... as long as its not everyday and you have the willpower to not eat it all if its sitting in front of you! But a bite here and a bite there will be ok- you'll be in one of the most amazing countries and you really should experience it b/c these opportunites dont come often. The same thing goes with the wine. You can't be in Italy and not try the wine! Just give yourself certain limitations and get your exercise everyday. I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2004
In reply to: sophiek51
Fri, 06-09-2006 - 7:26am

Hi Sophie,


This sounds like an amazing trip.

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2005
In reply to: sophiek51
Fri, 06-09-2006 - 1:30pm

Thank you all so much for your responses. I think you are all correct...I cant go the whole trip without trying certain things! We are going to be walking a ton, and I have a pilates DVD that Im bringing along for some resistance training.

Thanks again...wish me luck!

Sophie