Vacation in Italy

Thanks everybody for the replies.

Rosabella, :flowerforyou: That's what I will try to do, but when that plate is good, might be difficult to only have 1/4-1/2 of the plate.

TamTastic, :flowerforyou: That's what we have planned, rented a car, and will be touring around through some smaller cities, and hope to hit some of the mom and pop places that are off the beaten path.
Yah there's no way I can go on vacation and just have salad, so it will have to be portion control.
I've heard about the pizza, and been told you can't compare it to north american, it's just so much better.

Nich0le, :flowerforyou: Exactly the attitude I'm afraid off of some italian friendly stranger. I'm used to having 2nd servings at a dinner/function. Some people are going to see me and say, eat, eat, thinking, your a big guy, don't worry, eat more. We plan on walking, and yes, when I get back home it will be right back on track.

Skinnytime, :flowerforyou: we will be in the north. Milan, and then around 2 places around Genova east and west (on the coast). Any particular sauces I should be watching out for?. Besides Alfredo? or any cream sauce?

Georg,:bigsmile: Yes, our north american portion sizes are crazy aren't they, and from a small kid, my mom made sure I didn't "waste" any food, and left it on the plate. Unfortunately, that stuck with me for years, I will try to pay attention, and if it's bad, then will have to have portions or alternates.

Jenzi07,:flowerforyou: Glad to hear you had a great time. I've heard wonderful things about visiting there, looking forward to it. "gained 8 lbs".. Exactly what I'm afraid off :laugh: . That can be a 2 weeks to months work . Good luck in shedding those 8 back off.
When in rome, do as the romans do, sure, why not. I've been told, it's ok, you can use your bread to wipe the plate. Just afraid of gaining 8-10 myself.
I'm hearing various stories about breakfast though. I'm hearing it's coffee, pastry, breads, that kind of thing? or just depends on where you are?


Ok, this might sound stupid, but.

Do they use/have whole wheat pasta?
Wheat/multigrain pizza dough?

Well, I'm back... Thank you all for your info.

Awesome time. The weather was great, food was awesome. Overall I just ate a few times a day. drank beer, had some sprite, since I don't drink coffee for the kick in the morning, and got some water in me daily, but had to slow down as you don't know where the washrooms are.

We visited quite a few smaller towns and where we were staying, or when we drove and parked, we would walk around and stop for a few beers and a local establishment.

We started in Milan, Gessate, visited Belaggio, Como. Then came down to coast, and stayed in Spotorno, and then on the other side of the coast Mongelia near Cinque Terre.

Panini's, bread, pasta's, pizza got my veggies in when I could.
I didn't eat alot of meat as I'm not a sea food person and the pricing of the meats was expensive for what you got. except salami in the panini's

The portions were good in most places.
The wedding was a 10 course wedding, so that was interesting, but again small courses.


Good news, is that I had felt I might have gained some weight over there, but I'm back 2 days, and giving a quick flush out, I am down 2 lbs in the last 2 weeks, so I'm definately ok with that

Best news. I asked my Hunny to marry me overlooking the coast in Spotorno.

:happy:
She said yes!

Thanks, she was quite surprised.
Trying to plan something when you don't know where your going or what atmosphere is tough as well.

ie, I didn't know where I was going to ask her, but the one day I had the ring with me all day until found a correct time.
I also had my words in italian and english, so if it was a busier spot I got nervous that I would not have the lingo down properly, so I proposed in a more private setting.