How to eat healthy in France, Italy, and Switzerland?
Mar 4th, 2010, 01:41 PM
#2
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Let me continue with my posting. I pressed submit by accident. I always like to eat as healthy as I can, but I do like to induldge at times. (if you could provide what you believe are items worth indulging, then that would be great too!)
I am planning on going to restaurants that have the menu in the native language. I don't want to go to the touristy places where the menu is in English. I did purchase a menu translater to help. So, what particular menu items would you say are "key" words I should look for? Also, I know in the States, I feel like butter is put in every meal. So, I always say "hold the butter". Could I say that to the waiters in Europe or do a lot of dishes not have butter in them?
Just to give you an idea of my taste preferences - I do enjoy chicken, fish (not pink, but rather white), meat, salads, and soups.
Also, I do understand that each restaurant has their own unique way of cooking. I am just looking for some comments and thoughts. If you also know of some fabulous healthy restaurants, please let me know! Thank you in advance!
I am planning on going to restaurants that have the menu in the native language. I don't want to go to the touristy places where the menu is in English. I did purchase a menu translater to help. So, what particular menu items would you say are "key" words I should look for? Also, I know in the States, I feel like butter is put in every meal. So, I always say "hold the butter". Could I say that to the waiters in Europe or do a lot of dishes not have butter in them?
Just to give you an idea of my taste preferences - I do enjoy chicken, fish (not pink, but rather white), meat, salads, and soups.
Also, I do understand that each restaurant has their own unique way of cooking. I am just looking for some comments and thoughts. If you also know of some fabulous healthy restaurants, please let me know! Thank you in advance!
Mar 4th, 2010, 01:54 PM
#3
hi Jill,
firstly I beleive that you can get a menu translator - lots of references to it on this board.
secondly, the places you are going to are lived in by people who expect their food to be healthy and fresh. however, that does not mean that they eshue things like butter - they just use them in moderation. and they will be bemused if you ask, for example, for a risotto without butter - it can't be done.
I'm not sure that you mean by pink fish, but in italy, you will find grilled white fish [at a price] loads of soups, as much salad as you can eat, vegetables, meat, chicken. the same applies to the other places you are going..though you might find olive oil used in the south of france.
virtually every restaurant you come across will be as "healthy" as you like -it's what you choose that will make the difference.
firstly I beleive that you can get a menu translator - lots of references to it on this board.
secondly, the places you are going to are lived in by people who expect their food to be healthy and fresh. however, that does not mean that they eshue things like butter - they just use them in moderation. and they will be bemused if you ask, for example, for a risotto without butter - it can't be done.
I'm not sure that you mean by pink fish, but in italy, you will find grilled white fish [at a price] loads of soups, as much salad as you can eat, vegetables, meat, chicken. the same applies to the other places you are going..though you might find olive oil used in the south of france.
virtually every restaurant you come across will be as "healthy" as you like -it's what you choose that will make the difference.
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:02 PM
#5
Basically it's the same as anywhere...
Look for poultry/meat/fish that is plain grilled, not deep fried or heavily sauced. Don't eat a bunch of bread, pasta, desserts, rather stick with protein, salads, vegetables, fruits.
Personally, no, would not say "hold the butter".
Going to the open air farmers markets is a good way to get a look & taste of local produce and specialties.
One thing to realize is that most places in Europe, they cook in a more natural way, using local fresh ingredients. There's no where near the amount of "processed" or "junk" food like you find in the U.S. Most I guess I'm saying I've never found it difficult to eat healthy in Europe.
In Paris I enjoyed the 'boullion' style prepartion of fish or chicken (in a broth). In Switzerland do not miss the cured meats & local cheeses, they are fabulous.
Look for poultry/meat/fish that is plain grilled, not deep fried or heavily sauced. Don't eat a bunch of bread, pasta, desserts, rather stick with protein, salads, vegetables, fruits.
Personally, no, would not say "hold the butter".
Going to the open air farmers markets is a good way to get a look & taste of local produce and specialties.
One thing to realize is that most places in Europe, they cook in a more natural way, using local fresh ingredients. There's no where near the amount of "processed" or "junk" food like you find in the U.S. Most I guess I'm saying I've never found it difficult to eat healthy in Europe.
In Paris I enjoyed the 'boullion' style prepartion of fish or chicken (in a broth). In Switzerland do not miss the cured meats & local cheeses, they are fabulous.
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:11 PM
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Jill:
We like to eat healthy MOST of the year..but when traveling, espcially to Europe, we throw caution to the winds and ask few if any questions..we just enjoy the wonderful food selections. Taking two-three weeks or so off, your healthy food regimen ain't going to suffer any in Europe if, as Ann says, you select what you wish. IF you religiously follow a very restricted "healthy" diet, it is my unpopular and never-to-proven theory after 81 years on this troubled planet, that the longevity factor MAY end up being something like <u>four extra days</u>. All this is merely opinion. (By the way I've had several articles in Prevention Magazine in years past, so I can't be all about bad foods!) Just go and E-n-j-o-y, Jill.
Stu Tower
We like to eat healthy MOST of the year..but when traveling, espcially to Europe, we throw caution to the winds and ask few if any questions..we just enjoy the wonderful food selections. Taking two-three weeks or so off, your healthy food regimen ain't going to suffer any in Europe if, as Ann says, you select what you wish. IF you religiously follow a very restricted "healthy" diet, it is my unpopular and never-to-proven theory after 81 years on this troubled planet, that the longevity factor MAY end up being something like <u>four extra days</u>. All this is merely opinion. (By the way I've had several articles in Prevention Magazine in years past, so I can't be all about bad foods!) Just go and E-n-j-o-y, Jill.
Stu Tower
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:23 PM
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If you are in an area of a city where a lot of tourists tend to be, the majority of menus will likely be in several languages, at least in Paris for sure. So you will have trouble finding one that only has French menus if you are in the very center of Paris. I think that is true of Luzern, also, certainly the area around that bridge and old town. What is the native language in Switzerland -- well, I guess it is German in that city, but part of Switzerland is French speaking, so I suspect the menus will have multiple languages (lots of Germans are there, also). I know French so don't remember what the menus were like as it wouldn't have been something I remember, regardless of the language. It's just that restaurants in cities with lots of foreign visitors often have menus in other than the native language, at least in the central part where the tourists are sightseeing.
You can't tell them how to cook their food, so don't say hold the butter. You don't have to eat it when it is on the side, of course.
You can't tell them how to cook their food, so don't say hold the butter. You don't have to eat it when it is on the side, of course.
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:29 PM
#10
As far as menus in local languages, it helps if you know the words for general categories like poultry, fish, seafood, beef, etc. In Switzerland, if you don't want to eat horse, you need to be careful about ordering steak.
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:34 PM
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I don't think you have to worry about the menu in the places you listed. Even out of the tourist areas the waiter will probably know a little English and together with your menu translator you'll know what you're eating and be able to get your point across. My daughter went to an out of the way restaurant in Florence . The waiter acted out the menu for them. Of course it was a table of 20 year old young ladies so I think that helped 
I don't eat creamy buttery food because I just don't like it and I have never had a problem in Europe not having it in food.
I don't eat creamy buttery food because I just don't like it and I have never had a problem in Europe not having it in food.
Mar 4th, 2010, 02:38 PM
#12
I have found food in Europe to be healthy and fresh most of the time.
On Lake Como you'll see lavarello on the menu, the local lakefish, often served with risotto. The foods in the south of France are usually prepared in a healthy manner, with lots of vegetables and olive oil.
The only place on your list where I've had problems finding healthy items is Switzerland except of the lake fish in the Berner Oberland.
On Lake Como you'll see lavarello on the menu, the local lakefish, often served with risotto. The foods in the south of France are usually prepared in a healthy manner, with lots of vegetables and olive oil.
The only place on your list where I've had problems finding healthy items is Switzerland except of the lake fish in the Berner Oberland.
Mar 4th, 2010, 04:11 PM
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Thanks everyone for responding. After hearing your thoughts, I won't say to the waiter "hold the butter." haha. It sounds like I may lose weight with all the walking and healthy food! However, I do have a weakness for pastries. ESPECIALLY TARTS. Yum!
Adrienne - I don't have a list of places with native menus. I was just going to wing it when I am in Europe. I know the advice given, especially for Venice, is that the menu's in English are the "bad" restaurants. However, I am sure that is not necessarily always true. Probably, like the others said above, Paris and Switzerland are okay with English menus.
Adrienne - I don't have a list of places with native menus. I was just going to wing it when I am in Europe. I know the advice given, especially for Venice, is that the menu's in English are the "bad" restaurants. However, I am sure that is not necessarily always true. Probably, like the others said above, Paris and Switzerland are okay with English menus.
Mar 4th, 2010, 04:20 PM
#14
In Switzerland try the salet (they are these outstanding little cheese tart deals, not sweet, you'll find them at bakeries and street markets, either hot or room temp).
It's not so much about which country you are in, as far as how many restaurants will have menus in English, it's whether you are in a tourist area or not.
It's not so much about which country you are in, as far as how many restaurants will have menus in English, it's whether you are in a tourist area or not.
Mar 4th, 2010, 04:33 PM
#15
The exploring and walk-walk-walking all day will keep you trim. And if you come home with an extra 8 ounces somewhere, really, in the grand scheme of things, won't you be happier that you savored every moment of your holiday?
Buon appetito!
Buon appetito!
Mar 4th, 2010, 05:08 PM
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It will be easy to eat in a healthy way in europe for several reasons:
Portions are generally smaller than the massively oversized ones often served in the US
In some countries - Italy for instance - if you order meat or chicken that's what you get - with perhaps a small garnish. Pasta is a separate course before the meat - or perhaps, lunch is just pasta and a small salad. (What you see in Olive Garden is nothing like the way Italians eat. They do not glop gigantic portions of meat, pasta and vegetables in one big bowl, they don't oversauce everything and they don;t have unlimited anything. A salad is a separate course and a human size - with a nice oil and vinegar dressing - not masses of high fat/high cal slop all over it).
As for what to spend your calories on - it depends on what you really like. I reco doing as many local foods as possible.
In Italy I always look to see what the specials of the day are. And we often go to a sandwich shop (nothing like sandwiches in the US) for a casuale lunch.
In Switzerland definitely go for rosti (potatoes that are sort of like home fries but about 5 times better) - worth a little splurge.
If you like fish go for the trout in places where the fish will have been freshly caught in the river out back (did that in Innsbruck and it was incredible.) Also in Switzerland they have tiny fish that are called pike/perch - don;t know the equivalent in English but they are delicious.
Portions are generally smaller than the massively oversized ones often served in the US
In some countries - Italy for instance - if you order meat or chicken that's what you get - with perhaps a small garnish. Pasta is a separate course before the meat - or perhaps, lunch is just pasta and a small salad. (What you see in Olive Garden is nothing like the way Italians eat. They do not glop gigantic portions of meat, pasta and vegetables in one big bowl, they don't oversauce everything and they don;t have unlimited anything. A salad is a separate course and a human size - with a nice oil and vinegar dressing - not masses of high fat/high cal slop all over it).
As for what to spend your calories on - it depends on what you really like. I reco doing as many local foods as possible.
In Italy I always look to see what the specials of the day are. And we often go to a sandwich shop (nothing like sandwiches in the US) for a casuale lunch.
In Switzerland definitely go for rosti (potatoes that are sort of like home fries but about 5 times better) - worth a little splurge.
If you like fish go for the trout in places where the fish will have been freshly caught in the river out back (did that in Innsbruck and it was incredible.) Also in Switzerland they have tiny fish that are called pike/perch - don;t know the equivalent in English but they are delicious.
Mar 4th, 2010, 05:22 PM
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You are talking about two of the most complicated, wonderful, varied cuisines in the world (French and Italian), where 20 miles from where you are the ingredients and techniques might be totally different, but always using the freshest ingredients. Unless you frequent McDonald's and fast-food places and restos where they have pictures of the food, you are likely to eat as or more healthily than any Floridian typically does. You will be SO bummed out when you visit your hometown grocery store after being in France and Italy. Go to the outdoor markets, sample street food...eating healthy in Europe is the least of your concerns; unless you consciously stick to American stuff you're used to, you'll eat more healthily than ever before.
Switzerland is not a nation famous for its cuisine; that said, its cheeses and charcuterie and chocolate are excellent.
I trust you know how to eat without switching your fork and knife at every bite the way Americans do? If not, you might want to start practicing - it's easy.
nyt: pike/perch IS the English.
Switzerland is not a nation famous for its cuisine; that said, its cheeses and charcuterie and chocolate are excellent.
I trust you know how to eat without switching your fork and knife at every bite the way Americans do? If not, you might want to start practicing - it's easy.
nyt: pike/perch IS the English.
Mar 4th, 2010, 06:47 PM
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One caveat...you may find that a menu translator is somewhat limiting. I can still remember dining with French friends and when trying to translate the menu was told that the description of l'agneau was "lamb down the street and around the corner". In other words, not easily translated into English. Food is an adventure, approach accordingly.
Mar 4th, 2010, 10:42 PM
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You may be missing out on some good dining opportunities because you don't want to eat at a place that has an English menu and you may spend a lot of time looking for these places. I've eaten in restaurants that were not touristy but still had a menu in English and the food was very good. I've eaten in places where the menu was only in the vernacular and the food was so-so. You might want to rethink this plan.
In Bellagio the Bilacus restaurant had a huge first-course salad that was a fabulous melange of vegetables - the presentation was gorgeous and it was fresh and flavorful - I believe I added my own oil and vinegar so could control the amount of dressing or omit the dressing. Very healthy and wonderful. However, they had a menu in English as probably would every restaurant in this area.
If this is your first trip to Europe you will be amazed at how fresh and healthy the food is.
In Bellagio the Bilacus restaurant had a huge first-course salad that was a fabulous melange of vegetables - the presentation was gorgeous and it was fresh and flavorful - I believe I added my own oil and vinegar so could control the amount of dressing or omit the dressing. Very healthy and wonderful. However, they had a menu in English as probably would every restaurant in this area.
If this is your first trip to Europe you will be amazed at how fresh and healthy the food is.
