How to Eat for Pleasure

Italy is known to have some of the most delicious food in the world, and the Mediterranean way of eating and living is known to be one of the healthiest.

Local tomatoes, cheese, fresh bread and grapes from the island of Ischia.
Simple, fresh and delicious...local food on the island of Ischia.

Reset and Heal Your Relationship with Food

Italy is known to have some of the most delicious food in the world, and the Mediterranean way of eating and living is known to be one of the healthiest.

The island of Sardinia is actually one of the 5 blue zones in the world with the longest living people.

Living in Rome has been almost overwhelming being surrounded by so many incredible food choices…in the best way possible, of course!

Italians truly value and purely enjoy their food.

Devouring a bowl of pasta, or walking down the street eating a gelato is seen as a beautiful thing.

The difference in relationship and mindset related to food and eating compared to the states is astounding.

Especially having worked in the fitness and wellness industry for over 20 years in Southern California, I have seen everything related to fad diets and cutting out foods seen as “bad."

Food and eating has become a stress to many, as well as experiencing guilt and shame associated with eating certain things. There is a self-judgement and negativity that happens with dieting and what “should” and “shouldn’t” be eaten.

One of my goals as a nutrition and wellness coach, is to help women heal their relationship with food, so it becomes a wonderful part of life!

Eating is a pleasure, and learning to see foods as beautiful forms of nourishment and loving yourself by enjoying them, is something everyone deserves! 

Of course, quality is important. There are a lot of food choices out there, such as highly processed ones, that won’t benefit your body.

Choosing fresh foods with the best ingredients full of nutrients will taste better and be much more fulfilling.

The more you eat for vibrant wellness, and take the stress out of eating, the more your mindset with food will change.

In the states, many have gone “gluten-free” and are shunning any type of bread or anything that may have gluten for either weight loss or thinking it’s better for their health.

There are definitely allergies and sensitivities related to gluten, but most people do not have this.

Often, someone comes to Italy from the states and realizes they can eat regular bread, pasta and pizza here, and feel good!

The quality is different. There is naturally less gluten used and the flour is less processed. There are less chemicals used in the food. It’s also made using more traditional methods that make it healthier and easier for the body to digest.

Eating a variety of foods, focusing on plants (veggies, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts/seeds) and not depriving yourself, is the key to vibrant health and changing your mindset with food.

Sophia Loren is known to have spoken often about loving food and life…she once said “Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.”

When you eat for pleasure and nourishment without depriving yourself, you create balance, and take the stress out of eating and food choices. 

When we deprive ourselves, we end up wanting things more. 

Eating foods you love, stopping the dieting ups and downs, and the deprivation, creates vibrant wellness for your body, mind and soul. 

Food is a pleasure! Allow yourself to truly love what you eat.

It’s a beautiful part of life, and being here in Rome I’m truly loving every bite I take!

Sending amore from Roma!

Jenny Geyser

Founder of Brillare Wellness - Vibrant living the Italian way!

Certified Yoga Instructor E-RYT 500

Certified Nutrition & Wellness Coach 

Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle | Plant-Focused 

Yoga & Fitness OnDemand | Wellness Lifestyle Blog | Soul-Nourishing Retreats 

Instagram: @jennygeyseryoga @brillarewellness 

Based in Rome, Italy