In a Land Full of Carbs: How to Have a Healthy Day
- kennedyallison
- May 24, 2023
- 6 min read
Allison Kennedy
Eating healthy on vacation can be very difficult from trying to find a healthy place to wanting to indulge in famous foods. Italy is known for its delicious cuisine that draws in tourists and is enjoyed across the world. Typical Italian foods, like pizza and pasta, are packed with carbohydrates which can raise the risk of heart disease. Every other store in Florence is a tempting restaurant or a gelato store. And do not even begin to count how many cafes filled with sugar there are.
You may be surprised, but there is a large healthy food selection in Florence, it's just not talked about as much and walked right by. There are so many hidden healthy gems in Florence that will leave you satisfied and feeling good! Eating healthy can be just as enjoyable and easy to find as carbs.
Maintaining a healthy diet while exploring a large city provides the necessary fuel that your body needs as well as maintaining consistent energy levels. While you may be on vacation, it is still important to remain healthy and full of nutrients. Here is a perfect day full of healthy foods to make you feel better throughout your trip to Florence.
Breakfast
If you do not usually eat breakfast, you will not be skipping it on your healthy day. Breakfast is called the most important meal of the day for a reason. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness as well as providing other essential nutrients needed.
To begin your day, you will head over to La Milkeria, a quaint cafe with a wide variety of foods on the menu. Their menu includes eggs, bagels, toast and wraps. The menu is easily customizable. You can add things to your meals or even make up your own. They have salmon, cream cheese, avocado, jam and meats to add to your breakfast. There is also the choice of various coffees or fresh juices and smoothies.
For this breakfast, it come out to less than 15 Euro. If you prefer your tea sweet, honey and sugar is available at the counter. As well as, to go cups in case you do not finish.
For today you are going to order the toast with avocado and cream cheese and add a fried egg. In Italian this is called “Avocado e formaggio spalmabile con uovo fritto.” Avocado and cream cheese may sound weird,but the flavor goes together perfectly and the gooey egg is a healthy bonus. The creaminess of the toppings mixed with the crunch of the toast is delicious. Avocados have a long list of health benefits and are a superfood. They are a great source of vitamins and nutrients like C, E, K, niacin, magnesium and potassium. They contain the nutrients that are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. They have beneficial fats that will help you feel fuller between meals.
La Milkeria smoothies are full of fruits that are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that are high in fiber. To get the widest variety of flavors, you should get the mixed berry smoothie. Lastly as a simple refreshment, a cup of camomile with honey. It’s the perfect ending to a nutritious packed breakfast. For those accompanying you who do not believe in healthy food on vacation, La Milkeria has pancakes, waffles, crepes and pastries. With plenty of toppings like Nutella to meet their sweet tooth. But do not worry, you enjoyed your breakfast so much, you are not jealous at all.
Sara DiPeatro works at La Milkeria most mornings.
“I am normally responsible for working the register and making the coffee. This location is very popular among American study abroad students who come in between classes. Our busiest time is from 10-12 and the line goes out the door.”
Lunch
After walking around for a while and a trip to the Duomo and Accademia Gallery, it is time for lunch. Base V Juicery is the perfect lunch spot. Their goal is to create locations that make eating healthy practical and accessible all day. Their food is homemade and plant-based at reasonable prices.
The menu includes smoothies, cold-pressed juices, açaí bowls, toasts, salads, bowls, wraps, soups and healthy desserts. There is so much to choose from for the entire group. Their superfood smoothies are powerful and target specific needs. For example, they have a wake me up, inner strength and fiber bomb. And you can boost all your smoothies by adding ingredients like peanut butter or protein.
Their cold-pressed juices are made fresh in the store each day. They have plenty of options for avocado and hummus toast toppings. As well as lots of salads with your choice of dressing. Even their desserts are healthy and gluten-free!
Today, you are going to get the quinoa hummus wrap. The wrap is stuffed with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, hummus, roasted sweet potatoes and lettuce. Each bite contains all the powerful flavors and nutrients to make a fulfilling lunch. The ingredients are packed with taste and nutrients. Sweet potatoes are high in cancer-fighting antioxidants and vitamins like C, D,b6, iron, potassium and magnesium. Quinoa is considered one of the healthiest foods. It looks scary and unappetizing at first but it's delicious and has more flavor than expected. It contains high anti-inflammatory fats and protein. It also has a high content of antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties. Hummus is also high in fiber and protein. All these nutrients for 7.5 euros and it is very filling.
Valentina Costa said she loves her job at Base V Juicery and loves their menu even more.
“I am not vegetarian but I still enjoy almost every item on the menu. This is my favorite place to get a healthy meal. I may be biased but it's also because everything is made in store and I can count on it being fresh and healthy. This can be hard to find in most places.”
“Our cold press juices are my favorite item from our menu. They are surprisingly good and come in many flavors. I feel so clean and good after drinking one. I like how I can take it with me throughout my day because it's a bottle. I have almost tried every flavor except Heart Beet. I do not like beets!”
Snack
These fresh snacks are the perfect size to hold you over for lunch. Since the Orange Juice is freshly squeezed, it does contain pulp.
Everyone deserves a good snack. Today you are going to ignore the croissants and pastries. Instead, head to Ditta Artigianale for a healthy snack and refreshing juice. The yogurt with granola is refreshing and delicious. To make it even better add the fresh mixed fruit to the yogurt. The fruit is the perfect touch and adds more flavor and nutrients. Wash down the yogurt with a freshly-squeezed orange juice.
You can also grab an Açaí Bowl filled with granola, nuts, fruit, coconut and honey! This can be purchased at Rosalia or Base V Juicery! Açaí Bowl include açaí berries which improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. They also fight inflammation and oxidation in brain cells to improve cognitive function.
Dinner
Dinner is the most difficult meal to remain healthy while on vacation. But Rosalia Salad Gourmet has the answer. They have salads, bowls, açaí bowls, smoothies and salads. They have their specialty menu items but you can also make your own! Their salads are good portion sizes and leave you full.
You can choose from a variety of toppings and dressing to make it exactly to your liking. Rosalia has three locations across Florence. For this meal, you can choose what you would like to do. The arugula with onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and balsamic and oil dressing is flavorful and even comes in a beautiful bowl. Salads contain vitamins, minerals, water and fiber. This is beneficial in many areas including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.
Many people think salads are bland. But Rosalia allows you to make it personal and to your level of excitement. You can add all the right flavors you need to feel satisfied. Salads can be just as fun as pasta and will not leave you feeling bloated, only filled with essential nutrients!
Dessert
Everyone has a sweet tooth. Just because you’ve been healthy all day does not mean you can not have something sweet. Sorbet is refreshing and always tastes fruity and good. Sorbet is lower in fat and calories than gelato, therefore it is a healthier choice. You can treat yourself to a scoop of Studio Gelatos fruitella flavor. It will be the perfect end to your day as you walk around the carousel in the Piazza della Repubblica!
Ending the day knowing you fueled your body with the correct nutrients is so rewarding and you will feel so much better. The food was still delicious, filling and at great prices. Do not let anyone tell you eating healthy can not be fun. Even on vacation, your body needs the correct nutrients and fuel!
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