Although the name of the Pioppi diet has a close link with the food and habits of the village, the diet itself is somewhat different, following the principles of a Mediterranean diet.
An Introduction to the Diet
Most traditional diets from the region of origin are high in heart-healthy fats, such as monounsaturated fats from olives and olive oil. Additionally, the Italian diet also includes many starchy foods, such as bread and pasta.
By comparison, the Pioppi diet encourages plenty of vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish, but discourages red meat, starchy carbs and sweet treats. You can’t cheat with a natural sweetener like honey. The Pioppi diet is one of the latest series of diets that encourage low-carb, high-fat eating as a way to transform your health. The diet is named after a town in Italy where the residents have a high life expectancy because of their famously healthier diet and lifestyle. Many people live to be more than 100 years old there.
It even encourages the intake of saturated fats from ingredients that are not typically from Italian cuisines, like coconut oil. Eggs, cheese and full-fat dairy, including fermented dairy products, are allowed.
This diet is intertwined with lifestyle changes, such as being active, getting adequate sleep, socializing regularly, and enjoying alcohol in moderation.
Things to Consider
While keeping an eye on portion size is not a bad thing, drastically reducing or avoiding entire food groups is a bit extreme. Messages around carbs, especially when it comes to bread and pasta, can be so confusing. Restricting anything is not helpful and will only lead to guilt around food and, eventually, overeating.
Variety is key. You can enjoy carbohydrates from any healthy source. Be sensible with portion sizes when it comes to any meal, and eat the right amounts for your body.
If there’s one message you can take away from the Pioppi diet, it’s to up your intake of fibrous vegetables and reduce the amount of added sugar you consume. And, of course, it can’t hurt to socialize more with family and friends.
[RECIPE] ANTIPASTO BROCCOLI SALAD
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- Steamed broccoli with lemon, chilled
- 1 pound gluten free rigatoni pasta (prepared to package directions), chilled
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 handful each fresh basil and parsley, chopped
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup kalamata olives
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese OR vegan cheese
- 1/4 cup ground parmesan cheese OR vegan cheese
- 1/2 cup Maple Vinaigrette
Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Pure maple syrup – I use grade b
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon
- Salt – kosher or sea salt is recommended for better taste
- Black pepper
For an omnivore option, add 1 cup julienned uncured pepperoni or cooked sausage.
Directions:
- Add all ingredient to a large mixing bowl.
- Toss gently to combine before serving.
- Enjoy!
To Your Health,
Patti
