Why did I start this blog?
I want to share a lifestyle of joy through food. I have tried everything from calorie counting, obsessive exercising, zero-carb diets, and intermittent fasting. But the results never lasted! And they certainly did not make me any happier by depriving me of the things I love. I have the type of personality that when you tell me I can’t have something it’s all I can think about. Restriction was the enemy of a healthy lifestyle!
I love to share a glass of wine with friends, go out for dinner without restrictions, and indulge in the occasional french fry or chocolate chip cookie. I have also always wanted to remain healthy, fit and confident. Two completely opposing things!!
I have found that I am able to enjoy all the things I want to and feel good about myself at the same time by being more mindful of my eating habits and following some simple rules:
- East whole foods.
- Make things from scratch as much as you possibly can.
- Use the best possible ingredients available to use.
- Eat seasonally when you can.
- Move your body every day, no matter what.
- Enjoy food with friends and family.
Why I love Italian food
I’m not Italian. I am a Canadian girl, born of Canadian parents and grandparents that grew up eating a very traditional English diet. So you might say I have absolutely no business teaching anyone about how to make Italian food. But. I am obsessed with it!!
Ever wonder why you don’t see a lot of obese Italians?
Despite what most people think, the traditional Italian diet is very healthy. It focuses on quality ingredients, small portions of pasta, small portions of meat and plenty of vegetables and seafood.
Most of the Italian foods we think of that are “unhealthy” are the American-Italian classics served in giant portions and smothered in melty cheeses and silky cream sauces. While these classics are absolutely delicious, they will most certainly expand your waistline in a hurry.
The every day Italian diet is a Mediterranean diet, known for increasing life span. It focuses mostly on seasonal vegetables and making as much as you can from scratch. Nothing packaged. Just fresh, whole foods in proper sized portions. And that’s all you need to stay healthy!
It’s not just the delicious recipes I have devoured over the years that I have fallen in love with, but the food philosophy and culture Italians have created though centuries of tradition, rooted in the following rules:
Keep it simple. Italian cooks focus on a few simple ingredients in each dish. hey use timeless combinations of flavours, like tomato and basil, that complement and highlight each ingredient’s flavours. Some Italian dishes, like the traditional Spaghetti All’ Amatriciana, have only 4 or 5 ingredients and have been the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I love the concept of taking something simple and turning it into a masterpiece. Using fewer ingredients also has the added benefit of being inexpensive and quite easy to cook, once you’ve mastered a few simple techniques.
Quality ingredients. Everything is made with love in Italy. Italians have very high standards when it comes to ingredients. The creation of their cheeses, pasta and bread are prepared using traditions that have been around for centuries. I adore the care that is taken to preserve the traditions and the quality of the ingredients that they create. It also serves as a reminder to be mindful of everything we put into our bodies.
Eating is social. Italian culture dictates that meals are to be shared with your friends and family over multiple courses. For most busy North American families, this is just not possible. But couldn’t we all use a reason to slow down and enjoy the time we have with family? Eating like an Italian literally nourishes our bodies and our minds through good food and even better company.
How the Saucy Pantry can help you…
Ever wonder why you don’t see a lot of obese Italians?
I have taken the traditional Italian recipes that you know and love (and some new additions too!) and developed meal plans that will help you understand how much you should eat every day to maintain a healthy weight.
I know it sounds like it might be time-consuming, but I promise, it’s not! Most of my meals are meant for everyday busy families. They are easy, made in less than 30 minutes, and contain a few simple ingredients, so they should be easy on your budget. They also include instructions on how to cook in large batches and freeze to minimize your kitchen time.
The only exception is my Weekend dinners. These are the more laborious meals, that take a little extra time and extra love, but are totally worth it!
And for all, you wine lovers out there, I include 2 days a week where you can relax and have a couple of glasses without feeling guilty.