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4 Savory Italian Cuisines That Are Also Quite Healthy

February 12, 2020 by Monica Nelson Leave a Comment

The love for Italian food isn’t uncommon these days. Be it a date night, or a casual brunch, the savory Italian cuisines like meatballs, pizza and pasta never fail to impress. However, many people aren’t aware of the healthier varieties of Italian ‘deliziose cucine’ (delicious cuisines) that don’t add flaps to your waistline. Mouth-watering Italian salads that comprise of natural ingredients and other healthy meals can appease your palate without compromising on your dietary habits. 

There’s a reason why Italians are so cheerful always, besides being healthy. Most of their preparations are based on olive oil, as you’re going to find out soon. They also have this amazing way of serving people, as a part of their age-old tradition. No wonder whenever the word ‘Italian’ pops up in your head, you automatically think of food. 

So if you’re on a diet, you can try out some of the classic Italian delicacies mentioned below. 

Burrata Caprese Salad

The ones who have had it once never stopped from ordering again. This classic salad recipe uses ingredients like ripe heirloom tomatoes or regular ones, Burrata cheese, Basil leaves, black pepper and a lot of virgin olive oil and last, but not the least, balsamic vinegar. 

Burrata cheese is preferred over mozzarella in the preparation of this salad to add that characteristic creamy flavor it’s so well-known for. It’s interesting to note here that Burrata is basically Mozzarella filled with cheese curds that are dipped in a delicious cream. Further, heirloom tomatoes are the more expensive varieties, as their seeds are handed down by many generations (hence the name). 

Grilled Caesar Salad

This preparation has immense health benefits because of the ingredients used like Romaine lettuce, black pepper, croutons, raw eggs, and of course, olive oil. The nutrient value of this ‘Insalata’ mainly generates from the veggies used, which you can alter, depending on your needs. 

Tomatoes, spinach, lemon and bell peppers can be added to increase the health value of this preparation, while the chicken in the Caesar salad will ensure a sufficient amount of protein. You can ask the Italian restaurant you’re visiting to customize the preparation according to your preferences. If you aren’t lactose intolerant, parmesan will surely give a tweak to the flavor.  

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Every Italian food enthusiast will be aware of this delicious cuisine, but do you know about its health benefits? The meatballs are rich sources of protein, while the spaghetti is made from flour, which replenishes your body’s need for healthy carbs. Spaghetti is also rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber, the essential nutrients your body craves for. What more? The spaghetti sauce used in the preparation is said to add cancer-preventing nutrients to your diet. 

Cauliflower Arancini

One of the most favorite Italian snacks, the cauliflower Arancini is crunchy, savory and when served with rocket salad and almonds, they take the crunch to another level. If you seek a healthy mid-week brunch, these tasty cauliflower balls are the right choice for you. 

Wrapping it up

If you’re health-conscious, there’s no reason to believe that Italian food isn’t for you. On the contrary, the Italians proudly flaunt some of the healthiest recipes that satisfy your taste buds without compromising your health. Visit a reliable Italian food joint and let them serve you in their characteristic joyful manner, and you’ll leave the place without an ounce of guilt for cheating on your diet. 

Buon Appetito!

This is a collaborative post.

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Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy ye Let’s fire up the grill and here is a healthy yet super tasty and fun treat for the 4th!
You can also use this same coconut cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long! Enjoy. 

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH COCONUT CREAM
🍍🍍🍍

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade:
• 1 tbs coconut oil (can also use olive)
• 1 tsp  ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tbs dark honey
• 1 vanilla bean (can be optional – but I love it here)
• 1 tbs of fresh lime juice
• 1 firm yet ripe pineapple, can buy already cut
For Garnish (Optional):
• 1 tbs dark rum
• 1 tbs grated lime zest from the lime
My Coconut Cream:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)

DIRECTIONS

Marinade:
1. In a large bowl – combine the oil, cinnamon, honey, vanilla bean (if using), and lime juice; whisk to well to blend together. Set aside.
2. Place each pineapple half cut-side down and cut it lengthwise into four long wedges; slice away the core. NOTE: Or you can slice it in rings too, which I do often. 
3. Place the pineapple in the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat the pineapple. Heat up the grill.
4. Place on the grill and cook about 3 to 4 mins. You can baste once or twice with the remaining marinade. Turn the fruit and move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat. Baste again with the marinade. Grill until the pineapple is tender and golden, about 3 more mins.
5. Remove the pineapple from the grill and place on a platter. Next, brush with the rum – if using. Last, sprinkle with the lime zest. Serve hot or warm!

For the Coconut Cream:
1. With an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream and cream of coconut until soft peaks form. TIP: You can also use this same cream again and just serve with your favorite fresh berries all season long.

So perfect for a summer treat with friends. Enjoy!
Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been Let’s make my GREEN ME UP smoothie! I’ve been making this smoothie or a variation of it for the past 13-14 yrs, heck before there was TikTok. 😂 Such a delicious way to pack in some serious nutrition and those GREENS. 

Smoothies are an incredible tool to your wellbeing. They are super easy, versatile, and gosh dang - delicious and healthy. (If made correctly). That’s why I’m all about getting my clients on the smoothie train - if they’re up for it. 😉 

Just love providing clients with dozens of smoothie recipes I’ve created packed with protein and fiber, including healthy fats that keep you full 3-5 hrs easily. No matter what season of life I’ve been in personally: serious training, fitness modeling, both pregnancies/postpartum/nursing, healing, and now being a busy mom feeding our kids smoothies each morning, smoothies have been an essential piece.

This is a loose recipe so you can add anything else you want. Just make sure you have your protein source, your favorite veggies (hello phytonutrients), fiber sources and healthy fat. 

** Tip: put all the ingredients (EXCEPT the liquid) in the blender the night before! This tip has helped for years.

🥬GREEN ME UP SMOOTHIE🥬

• Handful of organic greens
• 1-2 cups organic celery (vitamins A, K, C, hydrating, supports digestion)
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (makes it thick, extra fiber)
• 1 Brazil nut (gives daily selenium, which is important for fertility)
• 1/4 of an avocado
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1 tsp organic spirulina @nowfoodsofficial 
• 1/4-1/2 ceylon cinnamon (helps regulate blood sugar, antioxidant)
• 1 scoop @paleovalley bone broth powder
• 1 scoop whey - I like isolate and @nowfoodsofficial has a good one
• Creatine @nowfoodsofficial (fav supplement for 10+ yrs)
• 6-8 oz of unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• 1 scoop of @beeyawellness for topping, optional 

Other options I rotate in: ginger root, basil & chia seeds, psyllium husk powder, lemon (vitamin C), herbs like cilantro & mint, dandelion greens (great source of vitamin K).

1. Place everything in a HIGH-speed blender (yes this is important. Otherwise you’ll get salad texture). Blend for about 1 min. Enjoy!
Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m Happy 2nd birthday to this special girl who I’m utterly positive is a true magical fairy princess. We did a purple bday theme to match her cast. We just love watching you shine and embrace your world! 
You bring such joy and laughter to us Aubyn and may your birthday be as extraordinary as you are, sweet one. 💜🎂💜
Your kids are always listening. Always watching. A Your kids are always listening. Always watching. Always paying attention to your every move. They want to be. just. like. you. Healthy habits start young! Glad to see these two at 23 months & 6 yrs old lifting all on their own. 💪🏻

Recently Asher rushed home from school and said “I’m working out for 10 mins to get strong.” Followed by “then I can break free from all the hugs.” We learned that apparently 3 girls at recess hug Asher nonstop and he wants to get strong to “get away from all the girls.” 😳 Never a dull moment.
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About

Hi! I'm Monica Nelson and I'm thrilled that you're here. As a healthy chef, personal trainer & fitness expert, competitive athlete & sports model, I love helping people look & feel great! Try a recipe or read a wellness blog and tell me what you think.

Popular Posts

Salad with kale, chickpeas, and butternut squash.
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