Studying abroad in Florence is a dream I had always hoped to fulfill, as I have always been fascinated by the rich culture, art, and of course, the incredible cuisine. As a person focused on clean eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the temptation of daily pizza, pasta, and gelato felt overwhelming at first. With a little research and exploration, I was able to find a perfect balance and found that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle while studying abroad is more than possible! 

Grocery Shopping: Healthy Essentials and Eating with the Seasons 

One of the easiest ways I found to eat clean was by cooking at home. Florence has many markets and grocery stores where you can find quality whole foods. Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet is a cheap and easy way to stay healthy. I found that eating seasonal produce in my meals not only made it fresh and flavorful, but it was actually cheaper! Some places I loved to shop for ingredients were the Mercato Centrale, which had amazing options for fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other ingredients. Conad City was my go-to grocery store in Florence because they always had a great selection of organic and locally sourced products. Last but not least, I loved going to NaturaSí, an organic supermarket with a huge selection of healthy products, including superfoods and whole grains. 

Eating Out and Keeping It Healthy 

Eating out in Florence doesn't mean you have to give up your health goals. Many restaurants offer healthy options made with whole and fresh foods. I loved going out with friends and trying out new restaurants where I could balance the traditional Italian cuisine with healthy meals. I became a regular at some of my favorite healthy restaurants and cafés. My favorite place to order a delicious salad or a bowl was Base V Juicery, where they also sold smoothies, juices, and even healthy snacks like energy bars. Shake Café was a great spot where I bought healthy desserts such as brownies, cookies, and granola. These healthy restaurants made it very easy for me to stick to my health goals while still enjoying time with friends. 

Getting my usual breakfast at my favorite local restaurant called "Melaleuca." I loved getting avocado toast with sourdough bread and two poached eggs! 

Ordering Healthy in Traditional Italian Restaurants 

Going out and trying new traditional Italian restaurants is a must in a city such as Florence, where they are known for their food. When visiting these places, I usually opted for dishes that nourished my body. Sharing foods like pasta and pizza made portion control a lot easier, and I got to sample a variety of flavors. Another thing I did when visiting restaurants was ordering foods that were high in protein. As a tip, look for dishes that are made “alla griglia,” which means grilled. Ordering Tuscan soup and sautéed greens for a side dish made my meals more satisfying and filling. 

My roommate Regina and I walking to a local restaurant to get dinner. 

Staying Active in Florence 

Exercising and staying active is a big part of my life, for it helps me in so many ways. I was nervous thinking of how I could keep up this lifestyle in my time abroad, but I quickly found it to be very easy. Florence is a very walkable city—I walked everywhere and found it very enjoyable. I went on daily walks along the Arno River. Not only was it a great way to get some movement in, but I explored the city while doing so. Additionally, I found that doing at-home workouts at my apartment was very fun and effective in maintaining my fitness routine. There are many great stores like Flying Tiger and Decathlon where I bought weights and a yoga mat to help me work out. 

My view on my daily walks. Walking next to the Arno River was one of my favorite ways to stay active. 

My roommate Regina and I going for a walk while looking at amazing views from the city of Florence. 

Balance Is Always Key 

While it was very important for me to stay active and keep a clean diet, part of studying abroad is getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in the local culture—including the food. I enjoyed the gelato, loved the fresh pasta and pizza. Balance is everything, so enjoy the amazing food Florence has to offer. Shopping smarter, making mindful choices while visiting local restaurants, and moving your body can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying everything the city has to offer. 

My friends and I after a pasta making class! We had so much fun and ate very good food!