Why is the Italian lifestyle so good for you?

Why is the Italian lifestyle so good for you and how can you duplicate it?

How are some suggestions that I would like you to consider, and if they ring a bell with you, you are on your way to living the "sweet life".

1. Fresh, healthy food 

To the Italians, food is life and as such, they honour it using the freshest ingredients.  All the senses are evoked during purchasing, growing, preparing or eating food.  Every meal is to be enjoyed to the fullest.  There’s an old Italian proverb:  “A tavola non s'invecchi mai”.  It means you never grow old at the table.

2. Passion for life

Whether it’s cooking, painting or working, the Italian approach is to be present and attentive throughout the entire process.  Here again, using all of the senses in order to squeeze out every bit of pleasure.  And nothing is ever rushed.  As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day! 

3. Life-long curiosity

Italians’ innate curiosity keeps life fresh.  They continue to seek answers and learn new things.  This trait is evident in all the discoveries and inventions from Italians such as Columbus, Marconi, Da Vinci and Zamboni to name a few.

4. Family ties and traditions

The social connection of family, friends and traditions gives meaning to life in a celebratory way.  It gives Italians a reason to stop work and pay attention to people, play and have fun.  Sharing their life with others equates to love.

5. Resilience and strength

Italy’s history of natural disasters, war, invasion, political corruption and Vatican influence serves as a poignant reminder to live life to the fullest and to move on after setbacks.  It’s all considered part of the cycle of life.

6. Simplicity

Italians place more value on the simple things in life (family, community, enjoying a Tuscan sunset) rather than the material things most westerners covet.  There are plenty of happy farmers in Italy who want no more than to share a meal with others in their community.

You can re-create a bit of the Italian lifestyle right here in South Africa by adopting some of the characteristics from list above.  Make a conscious effort to slow down whether that’s eating or driving.  Savour every moment in life and notice it with all your senses.  Spend less time wanting and more time giving.  Reach out to your community and get to know people.  And of course, start this week by cooking at least one healthy meal from scratch every week for your family and/or friends.  And then take the time to enjoy it with a nice bottle of Chianti!

Cheers… and salute

Love Italy, love life.