"Italians don't get fat" is a popular saying used to describe Italian food and lifestyle. Italians are famously devoted to their great food, yet their obesity rate is really low compared with other countries.
Many studies have found that an Italian diet has numerous health benefits, from reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease to living a healthier, longer life. However, something must be getting lost in translation. Many Italian foods are everything but healthy.
On a recent trip to my homeland, Italy, I decided to see for myself why the Italians don't get fat. My trip started where my family lives, in the northern Italy, and ended 15 days later on the Amalfi coast.
It quickly became very clear that the Italians know how to really enjoy the experience of eating. They socialize and relax while dining over dinner. Before and after dinner, most people in Italy walk through town, called passeggiata. People walk together, talking and keeping alive a valued tradition.
Many people in Italy aren't regardful about calories because they usually stop eating when they are full. Italians, also lead active lifestyle, with lots of bike riding or walking, mostly in urban areas. Moreover, they usually satisfy a sweet tooth with fruits instead of sweet desserts.
Italians simply balance the quality and quantity of foods. People in Italy enjoy the fat, but they don't overdo it.
What I personally like the most is that the kitchen secrets are passed along from generation to generation, little children can always be found in the kitchen with their mammas ——learning from them.
Italians learn to eat well and just enjoy something sweet on occasion. How right they are! Because when people go on diets, they usually get depressed and gain even more weight. An Italian mealtime should be a relaxed occasion enjoyed in the great company of family or friends.
Cooking at home and avoiding restaurant food are some of the reasons why Italians don't get fat. So, always choose homemade food and try to be active after eating. If you don't have time or don't want to leave the house, there are many healthy exercises that you can do at home.
12. What does the author say about Italian food?
A.It is healthy. | B.It contains high fat. |
C.It helps people lose weight. | D.It lowers the risks of various diseases. |
13. Why did the author go back home?
A.She missed her family. |
B.She wanted to have a rest. |
C.She planned to travel in her hometown. |
D.She decided to find the secret of Italian diets. |
14. What does the underlined word “regardful”in Paragraph 5 mean?
A.Concerned. | B.Satisfied. |
C.Doubtful. | D.Frightened. |
15. Why do Italians never get fat?
A.They seldom eat out. | B.They don't have a sweet tooth. |
C.They avoid taking a passeggiata. | D.They control fat they take in strictly. |