Italian Calories: Why You Should Not Worry About Them

People eat Italian foods with so much gusto - pizza, pasta, Panini, ravioli. Name it, and everyone loves it. Yet at the same time, several people freak out at the thought of the so-called Italian calories attached to these sumptuous foods. They beg off from some delightful dishes, because of the much-talked about calories that offer extra baggage, specifically to weight-watchers. But are we really supposed to be worried at all?

While it's true that Italian foods are, most often than not, high in calories and fat content, this shouldn't stop you from enjoying your Italian favorites. Besides, there are other approaches to create or recreate your own Italian recipe that's absolutely nutritious and delectable, without the problem of excessive caloric intake.

Okay, let's begin with the basics.

The crunchy garlic bread is a good example. We all love garlic bread. Nonetheless did you know that restaurants normally serve an eight-ounce garlic bread that is surprisingly comparable to 40 grams of fat and seven white bread slices? I know, that's really a lot for one bread in one meal time. So imagine if you take one slice for three meal times? The fat component comes from the olive oil, cheese, and butter included in the whole package. If you can't resist garlic bread, then make room for only one slice of bread and butter. Don't even think about taking a second slice. But if you're the type who can hold the cravings for the love of perfect form, then pass it up, even that inviting single slice.

Italian pizza is another example. While it's definitely hard to resist what the whole family loves to eat, the smartest way to have your own pizza is to learn how to prepare it at home, with your very own choices of healthy toppings. So instead of the thicker crust, go for thin-crust pizza. The thicker the crust, the higher the carbohydrates and calories, of course. Stuffed crusts are a no-no, too.

Then opt for red pepper flakes instead of fatty pepperoni, without losing the flavor and spice but getting rid of excessive calories and fat. You can also try broccoli, mushrooms, onions, black olives, feta cheese, chicken strips, lean hams, shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach. Always remember that low or non-fat cheeses are excellent alternatives for your homemade pizzas. Be smart, and think about the nutritive values of what you choose.

For good choices of sauces for that delicious pizza, you can go for tomato sauce, mushroom sauce, marinara sauce, Bolognese sauce, light wine, red, or white clam sauce, and primavera without the cream.

It's sad, breaking news though - high in fat and calories are other favorites such as ravioli, lasagna, stuffed shells, and manicotti. But as I say, you can lower the calories and fat if you can learn how to prepare your own dishes. This way, you can control the recipes, control the fat and calories, and yet still enjoy that Italian food, without the image of bulging fat.


Sabrina Rocca
Author: Easy Panini Recipes
For more great panini recipes and tips, visit http://www.easypaninirecipes.com. Easy Panini Recipes contains over 50 easy to follow, step-by-step panini recipes that will make anyone look like a gourmet chef!