Hi, it's Dr Sam Robbins
I got an interesting question the other day:
Dr. Sam, I’m curious to know why people in Italy are so skinny, even though they eat
lots of carbohydrates, fats and creams like pasta, bread, pizza, cheese, wine and so forth?
Is it their genetics, hormones or something else?
I really wish I could eat pizza, pasta and bread all day long, so what’s the secret?
=)
Well, since I am part French and Italian and have also lived in Italy, I can give you some
insight.
First off, people in Italy are not “so skinny”.
There are plenty of overweight people there and that could simply be because of the modern
society we all live in.
And also, so much of the Western world and life-style has now been adopted by almost
all other countries, including Italy.
However, I do know what you mean or you’re trying to say here - how can people in Italy,
eat all of these yummy foods and yet, look healthy, not be super overweight and so forth?...
As with everything, there’s never one specific answer.
However, allow me to share some things about the Italian culture and food.
Food In Italy Is Different Than US First, the type of foods people eat in Italy,
are way different than in the US.
For example, the pizza in Italy is different.
It has a thinner crust, less cheese, less meat, more vegetables, herbs and so forth.
Thus, it has less calories
However, in the US, the pizza crust is super high in calories.
With a TON of cheese crammed into every inch of the pizza, topped with lots of horrible
meat like sausages, pepperoni and so forth.
Obviously it tastes great, but the calorie content and type of ingredients is very different.
Different Type Of Milk Continuing with our pizza example, since it’s
my favorite food…
In the US, we use horrible milk that’s loaded with casein type 1, while in Italy and other
parts of the world like France, they have casein type 2 milk.
What’s the difference?...
The milk in America, the Casein type 1, causes stomach problems, gas, bloat and thus, a lot
of inflammation.
And, inflammation causes fat gain and negative changes in your hormones.
It increases cortisol, your stress hormone.
In fact, years ago I used to think it was the lactose that was the problem, the milk
sugar.
However, I can have goat’s milk and I’m fine.
That’s made of casein type 2, not 1.
And the same with the smaller, less milk producing cows in other countries - they are type 2
casein, while in the US, it’s the bad, type 1.
The US cows are also fed harmful corn, soy and other junk.
They’re given lots of antibiotics and thus, all of this leads to an inferior, harmful
milk that shouldn’t be eaten.
It’s also high in omega 6, which causes even more inflammation.
While casein type 2 and grass fed cows, have more CLA - a fat the reduces inflammation,
cancer and actually helps burn fat.
It’s About Your Fat Burning Hormones This is just ONE example of how the foods
in Italy are different than the US and thus, your body reacts differently.
Thus, different foods produce different hormones in the body - either fat BURNING or fat PRODUCING
hormones.
Like I’ve said in the past, it’s all about your hormones.
Less Meals
Italians also eat 3 main meals daily and take their time to eat.
They eat slowly.
They enjoy their food and do so with friends and family.
This produces positive hormones.
While in America, we are eating on the run.
We try to eat as much food, in as little time as possible.
And many do so while watching TV.
All of this causes you to eat much more food and calories.
More Walking In Italy, people also walk a lot more, especially
after a meal.
I’ve stated in my previous videos, simply taking a 10-15 walk after each meal, will
do wonders for weight loss, improving your blood sugar and reducing stress hormones.
Again, optimal hormonal balance = better fat loss because the foods get digested and absorbed
better.
They’re used for energy, fuel and repair, rather than fat storage.
Different Preparation Of Food Italian foods and the preparation of foods
also have much fewer lectins, which again, cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
So, you want to avoid lectin containing foods - which is the majority of the US diet.
Italians have more olive oil and healthy fats, rather than soybean and corn oil, that are
high in omega 6 fats.
Which again, cause inflammation and hormonal imbalance - leading to fat storage, rather
than fat burning
Italians have lots of fresh vegetables and fruits with their meals.
It’s natural and full of healthy polyphenols, vitamins and minerals.
Thus, their foods contain more nutrients, not just high in calories.
It’s About What They Do NOT Eat And at the end of the day, it’s not even
about what foods they eat - but more so about the foods they do NOT eat or drink.
They aren’t drinking soda, high fructose corn syrup or other high calorie drinks.
It’s mainly water, coffee, tea, some wine and beer.
They don’t have huge portion sizes like we do in the US, it’s much smaller.
Probably half the size or maybe even 1/4th.
Foods in Italy also have far less preservatives, toxins and so forth.
All of which, again, improves hormones and gut health.
In fact, their government regulations are far stricter than we have in the US.
Many countries are, especially in Europe.
So What Does This Mean For You?
At the end of the day, YOU can also eat lots of yummy foods, if you:
Don’t overeat, so watch your portion sizes and eat slowly
Walk after your meals Eat more naturally prepared foods - organic
foods, lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy naturally occurring fats like Olive
oil and avocados Avoid eating bad, man-made, pre-packaged foods.
Don’t drink your calories, this is a big one for most people.
The bottom line is that, it’s all about optimizing your fat burning hormones.
By doing so, you can improve your genetics, the way a skinny person’s is.
Below this video, in the description area, I have 2 very important links.
One reveals a proven formula for optimizing your fat burning hormones.
And the seconds goes to another YouTube video revealing the Top 10 Weight Loss Myths