If you wait long enough, many of the “avoid” foods seem to return, and not only return, but be included in a healthy diet. Eggs, dark chocolate, nuts, olive and coconut oil, and Himalayan salt are just a few examples. But this week, it was a surprising bonus to read that pasta can be added to that list.
According to an Italian study published in ‘Nutrition and Diabetes‘ this month, based on the dietary habits of over 23,000 adults of varying ages, there seems to be a positive connection between pasta consumption and weight. To be more precise, the study found that there appears to be a link between the amount of pasta one consumes and how likely one is to be slim. Amazing.
But how can this be? Part of the answer lies in the fact that pasta is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, usually adding beneficial ingredients such as garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, and vegetables.
On the national news, they attributed this to the fact that Italians only eat pasta as a small side dish. Must have been a nutritionist behind that story who has never, ever been to Italy.
This got me to thinking about our diet, here and there. When we are in Italy, we eat pasta nearly every day of the week, either for lunch or dinner, yet significant weight gain has never been an issue. If we do gain a few pounds, it is more likely the result of a morning cornetto (aka croissant or sweet roll ) or a bit too much bread. We often say that for us, pasta è basta, meaning a pasta dish followed by a salad is a perfect meal. Yet when we are home, we tend to eat pasta once or twice a week. Age old wives tales stuck in our heads, I guess, but now a thing to happily move to the past.
Today I bought a new basil plant and plan to make some fresh pesto for Sunday’s dinner.
©Blogginginitaly.com
And last night, it was pasta with olive oil, garlic, red onion, fresh tomatoes, wine and peas, and a dollop of ricotta and grated pecorino to top it off.
©Blogginginitaly.com
If you are curious or doubtful, click on the link ‘Nutrition and Diabetes‘ and decide for yourself. As for me, they got me at hello.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Yeah!! And I think “they” also changed their tune on avocados. When I returned to the US after 4 years in Calabria, I continued to eat pasta every day for quite a long time. I felt as though I needed it. I’m now down to a couple times a week, but I think it’s more because of the people around me than any lessening of my desire to eat it! Enjoy your pesto ! I had a plate of penne with pesto last night!
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Thanks and you are right – I should have added avocados to the good list!
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Yes pasta!!! This is good news as I could not, ever, eliminate pasta from my diet! 🙂
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We just ate pasta tonight although we are spoiled in Cortona getting fresh pasta at the supermarket. Southern California has a Mediterranean climate so local red wine, olive oil, and nuts are our standard fare here along with every kind of veggie.
We like to slice up all the colors of bell pepper and give them a quick saute with onions and herbs in olive oil to make a tasty colorful batch of healthy nutrients to go with our pasta.
Thanks for validating our considerable pasta intake (more than twice a week). And don’t forget the coffee, Judy.
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Thank you for the nutritional update
It is consistent with “ the more things change, the more they remain the same”
Buon appetite
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Hello Judy,
Gary and I met you last May in Cortona at an outside cafe. We were visiting from Austin , Texas. I found your card a couple of weeks ago and joined your blog. You are an interesting blogger, love reading about your Italian adventures.
I found another mutual acquaintance, Kim and Alex Smith. She said she knew you from St. Gabriel’s Catholic school. Small world, huh! Keep living the dream and keep blogging.
Diana
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Thanks and welcome aboard! And yes, small world. Much more about Cortona to come. Judy
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