How do many Italians stay slim?

In the land where eating pasta, pizza, gelato and good wine is common practice, you’d expect more Italians to be leaning towards the heavier side.  

Instead, in Italy, most people tend to be slim and of average build. They eat regular meals like the rest of us, consume fried foods, order dessert and rarely turn down a glass of wine. 

So how do many Italians stay slim given the rich and carb-heavy Italian diet, and what is their secret, if any?  

In this eye-opening post, I’ll be sharing 12 reasons why I think many Italians are slim.  

Hint: a lot of the reasons are related to Italian food, Italian culture and Italian eating habits. 

The reasons I list won’t apply to all Italians so bear this in mind while reading. Also, the information outlined in this post won’t be based on scientific facts or research. It’s solely based on my own observations of my life in Italy. 

Lastly, to add some context behind my reasons, I live in a small city in northern Italy. Experiences in larger metropolises like Rome or Milan will more than likely differ from mine. 

How do many Italians stay slim? 12 good reasons

1. Italians eat breakfast 

A saying that we’ve heard 1,000 times before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. 
And it’s something that many Italians don’t skip out on. 

What do Italians eat for breakfast? 

A typical Italian breakfast usually consists of something sweet, like a cornetto/brioche with an espresso or cappuccino. 

But while it may not be the healthiest breakfast choice, it provides much needed sustenance and energy. The traditional Italian breakfast also fills you up until lunchtime. 

This means less chances of wanting to snack or to have ‘elevenses’ come mid-morning. 

2. Ordering takeout in Italy is rare 

I can count the number of times that my husband and I have ordered takeout in a year on one hand. 

While apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat do exist, we personally never use them. When we want takeout, like a pizza, we simply call the pizzeria, place an order and collect it.  

Another thing that puts us off ordering takeout is the quality of the food. Some of our past orders were wholly disappointing, had zero taste and cost much more.  

But my husband and I, and our circle of friends, may be the minority in this respect. The amount of publicity for these apps in Italy is telling and it’s probably more popular than we realize. 

3. Cooking is a big part of Italian culture  

You’ve likely come across the stereotype of an Italian mamma or nonna in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove for their families in movies or in a TV show. 

And I can safely say that this stereotype exists because it’s true. Cooking is a big part of Italian culture and there’s honestly nothing better than eating a home cooked meal. 

It doesn’t have to be an elaborate meal either. Just a simple spaghetti with pomodoro can hit the right spot when done well.  

Ultimately, Italian food is healthy, and some basic ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. 

Watch on YouTube

5. Italian food is varied 

One of the things I most enjoy about Italian food culture is the variety. Contrary to popular belief, many Italians don’t eat pasta every day. 

What do Italians eat for lunch? 

Lunch in Italy is always varied, fresh and from my personal experience, made from scratch. 

We may eat pasta with broccoli on Monday, roast beef with potatoes on Tuesday and tortellini in brodo on Wednesday.  

Italian meals are typically well balanced and there’s always a salad or some kind of cooked vegetables on the table. 

What do Italians eat for dinner? 

Dinnertime in Italy is also varied and may be lighter or heavier depending on whether there’s an occasion.  

If friends are coming over for dinner, we typically serve 3 courses. This will include the first course (pasta), second course (meat or fish) and dessert.  

Having wine on the table is also standard during an Italian lunch or dinner. 

The point is that by having this variety, meals are always appealing, plus they include seasonal produce too. 

6. Italians use fresh and local ingredients  

Reason number 6 on how do many Italians stay slim has to do with the ingredients that they use. 

It’s a big part of eating well in Italy and something that many Italians take pride in. 

From eating fresh, locally sourced and seasonal vegetables to buying good quality meat and fish, these ingredients are more flavorful and healthier too.  

Buying fresh produce from the market, meat from the butchers and fish from the fishmonger is common – at least where we live. Cost-wise, it’s also more or less the same as shopping at a supermarket. 

However, this all depends on what you buy and on the quantity.  

7. Italy doesn’t have many fast-food options 

Fast food places do exist in Italy but they’re not typically the go-to for many Italians. We’ve just one KFC branch in our surrounding area and this only opened in 2023.  

Any McDonalds branches that I’ve seen are typically located in shopping centers or on the outskirts of the city.  

This makes fast food in Italy less accessible to young people (unless they order from a delivery app or have a car to go there and place an order). 

8. Portion sizes are ideal in Italy 

A characteristic that you find across many European countries, and not just in Italy, the food portion sizes here are just right.  

It’s rare to see oversized plates of pasta or plates piled high with food. The only occasions where I’ve seen bigger portions are when we’re back at our home in Sicily. 

Aside from this, the portions in Italy are manageable and will comfortably fill you up. 

This plays a big part when discussing how do many Italians stay slim. 

9. Ready-made meals are not common in Italy 

Like the food delivery apps and fast-food places, ready-made meals do exist in Italy. 

But speaking from personal experience, I don’t know any friends or family members that consume them.  

I’ve seen larger supermarkets stock ready-made meals in the frozen section. However, it’s small compared to the frozen pizza, vegetables and even the ice cream section. 

Ultimately, ready-made meals aren’t that popular in Italy. For me, it could be another explanation as to why Italians stay so slim. 

10. Italians don’t consume many heavily processed foods 

Reason number 10 on how do many Italians stay slim has to do with heavily processed foods in Italy. 

Yes, you’ll find potato chips, cookies, candies and chocolates in the supermarkets.  

But you’ll also find sections dedicated to healthier choices like wholewheat crackers and Italian snacks.  
The difference is that many Italians consume these processed foods in moderation.  

Foods like prosciutto, salami and cheeses are also high in fat but again they’re eaten in moderation. 

11. The Italian food aesthetic 

In a country where many people place a lot of value on beauty and looking good, the same applies to what they eat. 

In short, many Italians won’t eat something that doesn’t look appealing.  

This doesn’t have anything to do with foods that they find foreign to them. Instead, it has more to do with the presentation, smell and of course the taste.  

Being around people that have a pickier palate can be slightly frustrating – especially when you’re really hungry. 

But when it comes to the subject of how do Italians stay slim, this could be a reason that explains it. 

12. The walking culture in Italy 

Reason number 12 on how do many Italians stay slim relates to the walking culture in Italy.

It’s normal for many Italian households to have a car and to take it everywhere. On the flip side, many Italians also have the mentality of getting out regularly to go for a walk. 

This might be as small as walking through the city/town center or taking the dog for a walk in the countryside. 

Even in larger cities like Rome and Milan, walking is ingrained into everyday life. While it’s common practice to drive or to take a motorbike everywhere, the presence of public transport adds another option. It also encourages people to walk and to leave vehicles at home. 

What are your thoughts on this topic of how do many Italians stay slim? Let me know in the comments below. 

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

*Prices correct at time of travel

Like this post? Pin it!