With the arrival of warmer weather and the aftermath of Easter indulgences, many Italians are now focusing on getting in shape for swimsuit season. According to nutritionist and phytotherapist Ciro Vestita, this is a common time for people to go on diets or adopt detox plans to shed the extra weight gained from Easter treats.
Vestita advises that one doesn’t need expensive supplements or products to get back on track. Instead, he recommends incorporating spring vegetables into one’s diet, as they are both nutritious and cost-effective.
One of the key foods Vestita suggests is fennel, which can help reduce hunger with minimal calories. Additionally, fennel, broccoli, and cabbage are considered “slimming” vegetables as they require more calories to digest than they contain. Other negative calorie foods include cucumbers, lettuce, and celery.
Vestita emphasizes the importance of variety in one’s diet, highlighting the unique benefits of different vegetables. For example, fennel aids in digestion, broccoli contains anti-tumor properties, and cardoons support liver health. He also recommends incorporating broad beans into meals, as they are low in calories and high in protein.
As Italians embark on their journey to get in shape for summer, Vestita’s advice on utilizing the power of seasonal vegetables and incorporating a variety of foods will help them reach their goals in a healthy and sustainable way.