Summer: time to eat better to stay in shape

In summer, as we all know, the risk of overindulging is just around the corner. Pizza with friends, cold beer, an extra dessert... All wonderful, as long as you treat yourself in moderation! We asked Anna from La Cucina Salutare for her opinion to better understand how to maintain a balanced diet in our daily lives. 

How important is seasonality in a balanced diet?

Seasonality is a fundamental element of healthy eating. Every month, nature offers us different products, which guarantee us the best of their properties and flavor. The rhythm of the seasons allows food to grow and ripen naturally and healthily, reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

There is also another important argument in favor of seasonal products: climate protection. Long-distance transport is not good for products or the biosphere.

In every season, nature itself offers us what we need: winter is the right time to strengthen our bodies, improve digestion, and boost our immune systems. In spring, we focus on cleansing the body, and in summer, we eat light meals and stay hydrated; in autumn, we eat more caloric and warming dishes, allowing us to prepare for winter.

What are the "colors" that are good for us and how much should we consume each day?

Our dishes should be colorful, because that is the best way to provide the body with all the necessary ingredients. International guidelines recommend a diet that includes at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, with the addition of 5 colors: red, yellow-orange, white, green, and purple-black, which represent a series of substances, activities, and protective functions:

• white (onion, cauliflower, garlic) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and strengthens the immune system;
• yellow and orange (carrots, oranges, pumpkin, peppers, sweet potatoes, mango) eliminate free radicals from the body. Thanks to them, we can enjoy healthy skin and nails and beautiful hair. They also have a positive effect on our eyesight;
• red (beetroot, tomato, chili pepper, strawberry, raspberry, apple) supports heart function, lowers bad cholesterol, helps keep the body "young" and has anti-cancer properties. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of osteoporosis;
• Green (broccoli, cabbage, leeks, spinach, lettuce, peas, kiwi) is rich in vitamin C and is an excellent source of iron. It plays an important role in removing toxins from the body. It also has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system.
• Purple-black (eggplant, red cabbage, blueberries, blackberries, dark grapes) are the most powerful antioxidants that purify the body of toxins. They stimulate digestion, reduce the risk of stroke, and have anti-cancer properties.

Eating well is also loving yourself: do you think that taking the time to prepare the mise en place and choose a beautiful plate is a treat that helps you feel better?

Elements such as atmosphere, music, how the meal is served, and colors play a huge role during meals. Surrounding ourselves with beautiful things has a positive effect on our mood and, consequently, on our attitude towards life and others. Thanks also to the care taken in mise en place, we can pamper ourselves even in everyday life.