AT THE BEACH, WITH THE FAMILY, PREFERABLY EATING ITALIAN FOOD. THIS IS HOW ITALIANS IMAGINE SUMMER LUNCH. THE BEST DISH TO EAT ON THE BEACH? RICE SALAD, REVEALS THE POLLI COOKING LAB SURVEY

We need to keep our bodies and our well being under control even in summer and especially on holidays when eating habits are likely to change the most. We need to focus on healthy, natural foods because the tendency to eat healthy is stronger in the summer. Nutritionists warn that it is necessary to reduce calories in hot weather. What is the favorite dish this year? The ever-popular rice salad reveals the survey conducted by the Polli Cooking Lab (the first observatory created by this Italian company that analyzes national and international trends in the world of food) on 1.700 Italians, through online monitoring of blogs, forums and communities.
Eggplant Parmesan, lasagna and the classic steak sandwich are out: today 6 out of 10 Italians prefer eating rice salad under the beach umbrella. For more than 1 in 2 Italians, it is very important to keep in shape in the summer. After working all year, eating habits change drastically on holidays and need to be kept under control. Even though it is short, 1 out of 3 Italians considers the summer a delicate period in which it is easy to lose control of diets and eating habits. So, quantity and calories are banned but the pleasure of Mediterranean flavors and Italian tastes remain, as recommended by leading nutritionists such as Giorgio Calabrese and Andrea Strata. What is the ideal summer dish? Rice salad, preferably eaten on the beach and in good company.

Where is the ideal place to eat? The majority of participants had no doubts: 4 out of 10 (39%) prefer the beach or a place close to the sea and the preferred company is the family (38%). The foods are strictly “PDO” (31%), fresh vegetables (12%) and fruit in season (10%) prepared in every way possible. The preferred characteristics of food for Italians are light (29%), freshness (24%) and quality (22%), without sacrificing taste (18%). Professor Giorgio Calabrese, the world-renowned nutritionist, agrees and insists “it is especially important to eat light, fresh food with a high fiber content in hot weather, reducing but not completely eliminating carbohydrates, which are still essential for the organism”.