Italy

Location:

Southern Europe

Climate Description:

Climate varies throughout the country - Northern Italy is very mountainous and has extremes of temperatures with snow in winter and warm summers with high humidity, whereas southern Italy tends to be more consistent with a hot and dry climate.

Is it likely that residents in this country will speak English?

Most Italians speak very limited English if any.

What are the typical foods of the country?

Pasta & Pizza

What is a typical daily intake and timing for each meal in this country?

Breakfast is a quick affair consisting of a coffee (short black or Cappuccino) with a croissant (brioche) or some biscuits.

Aperitivo - This is a pre-lunch and pre-dinner tradition in Italy where people go out to the bar for a quick drink before heading home for lunch or dinner (often non-alcoholic juice cocktail) which is served with a selection of nibbles and snacks (such as chips, olives, cheese, mini pizza, salami etc) which you can help yourself to at the bar and is free (provided you have bought a drink)

Lunch is usually between 12.30-2.00pm and is the main meal, which is then followed by a Siesta (shops are closed until around 3.30pm). Note if you are dining out at lunch time the restaurants often close from 2.00pm and do not open again until 6 or 7pm for dinner.

Dinner - most people do not go out for dinner before 8.00pm and the meal is usually a lighter version of the lunch.

Note: Restaurants and many shops may not be open on a Monday or Tuesday (especially in smaller places out of tourist season).

Osteria (a type of restaurant) are traditionally in the private kitchen of someone's house were you come in and get a serve of what the family meal of the day is and is usually inexpensive. This concept has now become more trendy and while it can still be found in it's traditional way not all Osteria's are to be found in a private kitchen anymore and the price has increased with the increasing popularity especially in tourist areas. Some Osteria's now have a menu of the day on display, but it still has great atmosphere and feeling of the old ways of Italian home made meals in mama's kitchen, sometimes with long tables and benches where you sit side by side and enjoy a fantastic meal.

What food items are readily available?

Breads and Cereals: Breakfast cereals and bars are readily available from supermarkets but tend to be low fibre and highly sweetened.

Fresh bread is available from the bakery (Fornaio or Panettiere) or "Toast" is available from supermarkets (note: toast bread is often much sweeter than Australian toast bread)

Fruit & Vegetables: can be purchased from markets or supermarkets. Most places will have fresh produce markets at least once a week.

Dairy products: Milk is available in all varieties but more often in long-life forms. Full range of yoghurts available, and cheese.

Meat: this mainly comes in cured varieties e.g. prosciutto crudo is salted and dried ham off the bone but prosciutto cotto which is cooked ham is also readily available. In supermarkets such as Carrefour you will find plenty of fresh produce.

What food products are not readily available?

The Italian cuisine do provide some Vegetarian meals in restaurants but a lot of dishes are meat or seafood based.

You may have trouble getting low fat milk and "diet" soft drinks in restaurants / cafés.

What are typical methods of preparation of foods in this country

Many foods are fried in olive oil. Meat is often cured. In coastal places, there's plenty of seafood to choose from.

Is food reasonably priced in this country?

Basic food items are generally cheap in Italy. Supermarket and market prices are particularly reasonable.

Are there any food safety concerns?

To be on the safe side bottled water is recommended.

Can you see any likely issues/concerns regarding nutrition for athletes traveling to this country?

Water, opening hours of shops, availability of specific sports nutrition products and suitable breakfast unless you can get to a supermarket and buy cereal.

Can you recommend any restaurants that prepare foods that are suitable for athletes?

Most restaurants would provide suitable food as there are always pasta with tomato based sauces and often also a selection of mixed salads on the menus. Fresh seafood and grilled fish is also readily available.

What are the customs requirements for this country regarding food?

No major problems bringing any types of food in - if you follow Australian customs requirements you'll be fine.

What sports supplements foods are available in this country?

Sports Drinks (such as Gatorade) is readily available from most supermarkets