Imagine eating pasta, drinking wine and still losing weight?
Tucking into a bowl of pasta, enjoying a glass of wine and still losing weight is a dream come true for most moms. .. And according to nutritionist and author of The Mamma Mia! Diet, Paola Palestini, you will feel lighter, healthier and more energized.
Yes, you can eat pizza and drink wine and lose weight. Then what’s the secret? According to Palestini, the secret lies in combining whole grain pasta with fresh and seasonal produce, light cheeses, and lean meat, fish and chicken. Weight loss feels more effortless when you enjoy your favorite foods.
Mamma Mia! Diet Rules
- Drink a cup of warm water with the juice of half a lemon upon waking up.
- Always choose wholegrain and vary it – try spelt, buckwheat and whole wheat and on other days, eat barley, rice and other grains.
- A portion of pasta is half a cup, and go easy on the sauce.
- Include plenty veggies in your meals.
- Avoid trans fats and hydrogenated fatty acids, as well as “light” foods.
- Eat lots of different nuts and seeds.
- Consume oily fish.
- Eat cheese and moderation and choose white varieties.
- Don’t have bread with your grains.
- Avoid carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, fast foods and processed foods.
- If you have to have fried food (very occasionally), make sure it’s homemade.
- Try to eat carbs at breakfast and lunch only.
- Consume 25-30 grams of fiber daily to keep you fuller for longer and clean out your gut.
- Snacks should be eaten at mid-morning and mid-afternoon and could include one seasonal fruit, a small plain yogurt, 6-8 nuts, or a fresh orange juice.
- Drink plenty of water daily. Other drinks can include black coffee or tea with breakfast, and herbal tea after dinner. Do not consume soft drinks.
- Enjoy one small glass of red wine per day.
- You may enjoy two blocks of chocolate once or twice a week.
- Walk, jog, stretch, dance, or swim for at least thirty minutes a day to give your heart and muscles a workout.
Sample Mamma Mia! Diet Plan
Day 1
Breakfast – Whole grain toast with one teaspoon sugar-free jelly and a small glass of milk.
Lunch – Whole wheat spaghetti with tomato and basil sauce, served with baby spinach, pear and pomegranate salad and olive oil and black pepper dressing.
Dinner – Baked vegetable frittata made with carrot, asparagus, peas and a small potato, mixed with 2 eggs and a teaspoon of Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Enjoy with a cherry tomato and rocket salad.
Day 2
Breakfast – Mash together rolled oats, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, cinnamon, almond milk, mashed banana, and apple to make an oat and banana cake.
Lunch – Whole wheat linguine with leeks and nuts and a dash of Parmesan.
Dinner – One orange and pistachio chicken breast, served with rice and salad topped with pumpkin seeds.
Day 3
Breakfast – Homemade muesli with plain yogurt and fresh or thawed blueberries.
Lunch – Wholewheat pasta salad with mackerel, cherry tomatoes, olives, chilli flakes and basil.
Dinner – Peppers stuffed with ground beef, seasonings, eggs and Parmesan.
Day 4
Breakfast – Whole grain toast with one teaspoon sugar-free jelly and a small glass of milk.
Lunch – Chickpea, cherry tomato, olives, sliced red onion, basil, olive oil, and black pepper salad served with a slice of seeded bread.
Dinner – One white fish fillet served with asparagus and peas.
Day 5
Breakfast – Peach smoothie with one date, one banana and a small glass of almond milk and cinnamon to taste.
Lunch – Whole wheat pasta with prawns, spinach, garlic and olive oil.
Dinner – One baked chicken breast with chilli pepper, Dijon mustard, thyme, marjoram and rosemary. Served with a salad made of shaved fennel, olives, lemon juice and oranges.
You can repeat any of the 5 days during Day 6 and Day 7.
Remember that obtaining the right nutrition is key to successful weight loss. Supplementing with Daily Multiple can get you there!