In the pursuit of convenience and efficiency, modern American life has managed to strip away some everyday activities only to repackage and sell them back to us, gift-wrapped and overpriced.
The more time we spend in Italy, where daily life maintains a rhythm of simplicity, these American idiosyncrasies stand out even more. Observing the Italian way of life offers a refreshing lens to view some of the absurdities of modern conveniences in the US and the costs we incur to reclaim what was once naturally integrated into our lives.
A Body in Motion Stays in Motion
Where we live in the United States, reliance on cars for even the shortest trips has significantly reduced the amount of physical activity in our daily lives. Unlike in many European countries where walking and cycling are common modes of transportation, we often drive everywhere in the US. Consequently, people pay for gym memberships to run on treadmills or lift weights—activities that, in a different lifestyle, might have been naturally integrated into their day.
When my family is in Italy, we rely on bikes, walking and public transportation (which requires a bike ride or walk to access). On our last visit, I had more than a few 30k step days!
In Italy, the locals provide their own form of exercise. You’ll see people in their 90s carrying groceries through town (a great resistance workout!) and climbing up several flights of stairs to reach their apartments (a solid cardio session!). Additionally, walking to communal fountains to refill glass bottles with fresh water and participating in the evening passeggiata contribute to daily physical activity in natural and integrated ways.
This cultural attitude towards physical activity not only fosters healthier lifestyles but also integrates exercise into everyday tasks without the need for dedicated gym classes or structured fitness routines. It reflects a holistic approach to well-being that emphasizes natural movements and community engagement, offering valuable lessons on how to reclaim physical vitality as an integral part of daily life, regardless of age or circumstance.
It's not that Italians don't go to gyms or consciously integrate exercise into their lives—they certainly do. Gyms are present, and many people enjoy activities like running, cycling, and yoga. Spend any time on Lucca's walls and you'll quickly confirm this! However, the difference lies in the addition of the seamless incorporation of physical activity into daily routines. This natural integration means that even those who frequent gyms are likely to engage in more incidental exercise throughout their day. Whether it's walking to the market, climbing stairs instead of taking an elevator, or participating in the evening passeggiata (stroll), Italians often find themselves moving even without needing to set aside specific times for exercise.
When I'm home in Virginia, it feels like my physical activity falls into one of two categories: either I'm intentionally working out, or I'm sedentary. I did buy a desk for my Peloton to try and bridge the gap between those extremes, allowing me to get some movement in while I work, but it still doesn’t quite replicate the natural and seamless flow of activity in Italy. The structured nature of American exercise routines, contrasted with the effortless physical activity in Italy, highlights a significant difference in how movement is woven into daily life.
The Cost of Clean Eating
In the United States, convenience and mass production have led to an industrialized food system dominated by GMOs and pesticide-laden produce. This has created a market for premium-priced organic, non-GMO foods, highlighting a paradox: modern life has distanced us from natural food practices, making these basics costly to reclaim.
In contrast, shopping for produce in Italy feels like stepping back to a time when food was naturally clean and wholesome. Italian markets are filled with fresh, locally-sourced fruits and vegetables, often grown without the pesticides common in the US. Though not always labeled organic, these products are cleaner by default since many of the pesticides used here are banned in Italy. Italians eat seasonally, ensuring produce is naturally ripe and ready. The best part? It's about half the cost of what we pay in the US for fruits and vegetables that were shipped unripe and traveled for days.
One of the most notable differences in Italian food culture is the tradition of daily shopping. Instead of stocking up on preservative-laden products that can last for weeks, Italians prefer to buy fresh, high-quality ingredients each day. It's one of the reasons you won't find mammoth refrigerators in Italy. This practice of daily shopping, deeply rooted in culinary traditions, ensures that meals are made from the freshest possible ingredients, reducing reliance on the preservatives and additives so prevalent in the Standard American Diet ("SAD," characterized by high levels of processed foods, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined grains, along with low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.). Many Italians also engage in the age-old tradition of canning and preserving their own homegrown produce, from sun-ripened tomatoes to homemade jams. By preserving food at home, they enjoy the peak flavors of each season year-round.
Traditional Skills and Hobbies
In the U.S., traditional skills like canning, knitting, gardening, or pasta-making have become niche hobbies often requiring classes, specialized tools, and supplies, all of which can be costly. In Italy, these skills are more commonly passed down through generations and remain integrated into everyday life.
Headphones Off, Conversations On: The Italian Approach to Dining with Kids
In the United States, it's increasingly common to see kids in restaurants absorbed in their own worlds, wearing headphones and engrossed in iPads to stay entertained. This modern approach ensures they remain quiet and occupied, allowing parents to enjoy a peaceful meal. While this method can be a practical solution for families, especially those with special needs children who may require additional support, it's worth noting that it represents a more recent trend.
In contrast, the Italian lifestyle presents a different picture. I can honestly say that I've never seen a child in Italy with an iPad and headphones at a restaurant. In Italy, children are often seen out late at night dining with their families, engaged in the lively conversations around them. They don’t rely on expensive electronics to stay entertained; instead, they seem to be active participants in the social atmosphere, learning to appreciate the communal and familial aspects of dining from a young age. This approach fosters a sense of involvement and connection, though it's important to recognize that families everywhere find their own ways to balance enjoyment and engagement.
The Cost of Connection: Social Gatherings and Community
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s becoming more challenging to find moments of peace and mindfulness. Many Americans resort to expensive meditation and mindfulness classes to manage stress and restore balance (guilty as charged!). Instead of integrating these practices into daily life through slower-paced, community-focused living, there’s often a reliance on formal classes to achieve tranquility.
The Quest for Self-Care
As a self-proclaimed Type A person, I can deeply relate to how Americans often feel compelled to schedule leisure activities as part of a to-do list where even downtime must be optimized. Productivity culture turns even self care and relaxation into a series of tasks, where self-care becomes just another thing to check off—whether it's booking a yoga class, keeping up with mindfulness apps, or planning out and overprogramming vacations. When we first arrive back in Italy, it can be hard to shake the feeling that every moment needs to be optimized, even the ones meant for unwinding.
In contrast, Italy's concept of "la dolce vita" (the sweet life) encourages people to enjoy life's simple pleasures without rushing, finding pleasure in the everyday, naturally and without pressure. Leisure time is seen as a natural and essential part of life, not something that needs to be scheduled or optimized. Italians embrace long meals with family and friends, leisurely strolls through town, and unplanned moments of joy.
The Italian lifestyle emphasizes balance and enjoyment, where self-care is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Instead of carving out time for relaxation, Italians naturally integrate it into their daily routines. Whether it's a mid-afternoon coffee break, a chat with neighbors, or simply taking the time to sit on a bench and enjoy the beautiful view from Lucca's walls, relaxation is a built-in, effortless part of life. Even shops shut down daily for lunch and an afternoon rest. This serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best way to care for ourselves is to slow down, let go of rigid schedules, and embrace the beauty of simply being.
Food for Thought
Different cultural approaches to daily living can significantly impact health, community, and overall well-being, but it's important to note that these generalizations are based on my experiences. While they reflect cultural trends, individual experiences obviously vary widely. Not all American families rely on technology for dining out, just as not all Italian families are the picture of health and fitness. It's just food for thought about different lifestyles, but they do not account for every unique situation or family dynamic. It's clear that each approach has its merits and challenges and neither lifestyle is perfect. But, by appreciating the benefits of both, my goals is to balance and enjoy the best of both worlds...in Virginia and Italy.
Comments