The Tuscan Diet - Introduction

It always surprised my friends to here me say that I lost weight whenever I would go to Italy.  "How is that even POSSIBLE??" some would say to me.

Really though, if you look at Italians in Italy, most of them are quite trim!  The lifestyle there includes a lot of outdoor activities and walking, there aren't fast food restaurants on every corner, and food is prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Fresh produce, olive oil and other tasty Tuscan foods
at the Mercato Centrale (Central Market) in Florence

I was introduced to Tuscan foods by Simone when I first set foot in Italy 3 years ago.  I really enjoyed the combination of flavors and the fact that everything was so FRESH.  I had heard before that the diet of Mediterranean countries is probably one of the most healthy diets in the world, but I never realized how delicious it could be!  I was a convert from the start...especially when I discovered how EASY it is to prepare!

I haven't bought pasta sauce in 3 years, since I found out
how easy it was to make my own!

Over the next few days, I will discuss the various elements that comprise the Tuscan diet.  These are all things that can be found anywhere and easily incorporated into your own diet, bringing a little bit of Tuscany into your own life!  Stay tuned!

La Vita è Bella!

A new year, a new blog!  

I have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) writing all about my adventures in Italy in Un Cuore Scalzo - My Adventures in Italy, but I realized that I wanted to do something more than just share my Italian experiences. I have learned so much over the past several years as far as the Tuscan way of life by being in Tuscany and also from my better half, Simone, who happens to BE a Tuscan. 

Simone and me in December 2011 at Parco delle Cascine in Florence.
We really do need to take a more current picture one of these days!

My life has vastly improved by adopting a Tuscan lifestyle.  I'm healthier and happier!  And the great thing about it is that anyone can incorporate elements of it into their own life, no matter where they live!  Sure, you may not be able to look out of your kitchen window and see rolling hills with cypress trees, olive trees and grape vines, but you can adopt a Tuscan diet, add some of their traditions, etc.  

One of my favorite ways to exercise - walking in an olive orchard!

With this blog, I plan to share recipes, traditions, decor ideas, etc.  Basically, if it's Tuscan, I hope to share it with you here! 

I hope you will enjoy learning about the Tuscan way of life, as seen from my and my Tuscan's point of view!