What foods should I avoid while vacationing in France and Italy?

Question

I realize that most of their food is healthier than American food, simply because of our preparation methods, but are there any foods that are high in fat or calories that I should stay away from?

Answer 1

Perhaps tired was joking but he's right: the worst food you can find in Italy by that point of view in American one :)
And remember true Italian food is less fat and anyway simpler in preparation than "Italian food" made outside Italy (or outside Europe, anyway).
There's so much recipes, I can only suggest to be careful with some sweetness (dessert but even more cakes or any kind of baking) from southern Italy, especially the ones made with cheese. Cassata Siciliana or Pastiera Napoletana, for instance.

Answer 2

I am a former chef in Canada and would only say, what ever you would not eat in the U.S, then I would not consume there, if your going to be there for an extended time consider a apartment rental, they have stoves, frigs and cookware so you can prepare your meals.

Depending on the time of year, there are always healthy choices, fish, veg, salads, breads and lower fat food, some of the things mentioned boggled my mind, as they far more expensive than most tourist would bother with, they have a number of American fast food chains, I know that and my nephew was surprised when he went to Austria and Italy on a school trip the number of those chains.(he works for MickyD's in canada)

My suggestion is, try daily specials, eat what the locals eat, both countrys do have lower calorie dishes, and a salad is almost alway available or serve with the "Table d'hote" menus were you get 3 courses. Ask for the less fat options, with the EU now in the continental area, most of the people speak English so you will not be served something your not willing to eat.

Answer 3

No. You are on a chance of a lifetime vacation. You apparently don't eat high-fat or high-calorie foods often. When in Rome..... just eat what you'd like to try in those countries!

In France, I'd be sure to eat:
Creme Brulee
French Baguette
Palmiers
Bouilliabase
chcolates from local chocolatiers
local wines

In Italy, it'd be:
Fettucine Alredo
Pizza Margherita
Spaghetti Carbonera
gelato
local wines

Answer 4

You really dint have to worry about this while your in Italy as long as you stick to their native cuisine. My favorite lunch in Italy is a slice of fresh bread with tomato, olive oil and a small amount of salt(it is sort of like an open sandwich), very healthy and so tasty. It is true that Italian food often has quite a bit of oil in it, but this is olive oil which is quite healthy.

French food can be quite fatty though, they generally use quite a lot of dairy. In France you should stick to food that is more rustic. Dont go to high class restaurants. These of course are generalizations and are not always true.

While in both countries you should never miss an opportunity to sample the local wines.

Answer 5

Some cheese are quite strong for American taste buds, for the rest you should be OK.
please note that a lot of food are based on butter, cream, oil but the quantities served are way way smaller; a lot less sugar and sodium is used too.
don't worry too much about the food, just enjoy... at least try a bit of everything, the French have delicious pastries, fat cheese, creamy sauces, Italians use a lot of oil in their cooking, and also cheese but in average they are thinner than people in the US.

Answer 6

A lot of French food is actually not all that healthy, croque monsieurs for example, or any food that is fried is butter or incorporates a sauce using heavy cream, etc. But there are certainly plenty of healthy choices as well, fresh fish, etc. Avoid heavy sauced entrees in Italy and drink mineral water instead of wine. Go easy on the cheese in both places. Bon appetit!

Answer 7

Truffles in italy are fermented mountain goat dung.

Pass on calf brains in france.

Answer 8

Have what you'd enjoy. The food in both countries is delicious and wholesome.

Answer 9

Absolutely none if it's real French or Italian!

Answer 10

they might offer you a platter full of cheses, becareful because one of them is usually just a block of butter, it tastes good but it is extremley fattening. Good luck, and have a great trip!