The Perfect Italian diet

Is the perfect Italian diet a Mediterranean one?

The question came into our heads when we read what Brazilian football genius Ronaldo was eating to get fit following his transfer from Real Madrid to Milan.

His day begins with a breakfast of milk, toast with jam and freshly squeezed orange juice without sugar. Lunch is raw vegetables, carbohydrates such as potatoes and another freshly squeezed orange juice. During the afternoon, fresh fruit and piece of bread, with dinner based on grilled meat or fish, vegetables and fresh fruit.

And absolutely no pasta!

Milan could not be further from the sea in Italy, so is this a Mediterranean diet? In any case, he's lost 5kg in the short time he's been back in the country. 

The regions of Italy with the oldest inhabitants are Sardinia and Abruzzo, both famous for their salami and cheese, which do not exactly lower cholesterol levels.

We also know of a man in his late 80's who lives near Monte Amiata in Tuscany who, from trusted sources, drinks at least 4 bottles of red wine a day. He's as fit as a fiddle and walks daily to the top of the mountain.

So the secret seems to be fresh air and a lot of exercise.