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Although this year our Easter was a bit different, many of us still took advantage of the opportunity to break the rules at the table. Now the holidays are behind us, and it’s time to restart the diet to prepare for the costume fitting: here are the tips from the experts to get back in shape quickly and without too much effort.
For purify the body after the inevitable Easter meal we can follow the suggestion of dr. Corrado Pierantoni, specialist in endocrinology and metabolic diseases and clinical nutritionist in Lanciano (CH), who proposes a one-day mini-diet based solely on protein. For 24 hours we have to significantly reduce carbohydrate intake, so that our body is pushed to burning fat for energy. Stop also with vegetables, to avoid the decidedly unwanted swelling effect.
So what foods can we bring to the table? Green light at proteins, therefore milk, meat, fish and eggs – however, it is better to choose leaner foods, such as white meats and low-fat cheeses. The plant alternative is instead provided by legumes: the important thing is that, after cooking, they are passed with a vegetable mill to break the fibers and thus avoid abdominal swelling.
Among the foods particularly rich in proteins, bresaola stands out: its unmistakable and delicate taste makes it a very versatile food. It is perfect to be consumed for a quick snack, but also for a full meal, combining it with fresh cheeses and fruit. Unlike most cold cuts, bresaola has a reduced calorie content – a feature that makes it excellent for those on a diet – and is low in sodium.
It also has really interesting nutritional values, since it contains important mineral salts such as potassium and iron, B vitamins and monounsaturated fatty acids. Precisely for this reason, bresaola is a real ally for our health: it reduces the risk of developing heart disease, improves blood pressure and decreases the stiffness of the arteries, protects the brain and helps to increase our immunitary defense.
Finally, as regards the seasonal vegetables, at this time of the year on our tables should not miss the agretti, also known as “friar’s beard”. Particularly rich in fiber, they are a panacea for the intestine: they reduce abdominal swelling and help provide nourishment for a healthy bacterial flora. They are also an excellent source of mineral salts and in particular of magnesium, which intervenes in the metabolic processes necessary for the correct development of the nervous system.
The agretti also contain an important amount of vitamins and antioxidants, which counteract the formation of free radicals and the numerous pathologies related to them. This vegetable also has an excellent diuretic action: being rich in water, it helps fight against water retention and it is really useful for those who want to get rid of that annoying blemish that is cellulite.
