The Mediterranean diet is a “lifestyle.” You MUST understand, the Mediterranean diet is more than just what you eat and how you exercise, it’s how you immerse yourself in the Italian culture. These were two points that were repeated over and over again until it was forced into the crevices of my brain; Professors Lorenzo Dal Canto and Fabrizio Polloni will never let me forget them. Health and  Fitness in the Mediterranean is a course that brought an insightful lens into the reality of the everyday lifestyle here in Italy. I took this intensive course within the first three weeks of classes here at FUA during the Spring semester, with the intentions of learning the content and passing a test. Instead, I was introduced into a fully immersive experience that opened my eyes to the true Italian culture.

Sure, this class involved taking notes on lectures covering the three most iconic food products in Italy—parmesan, prosciutto, and olive oil. We also dove into units on the history of wine, how it’s made, the health benefits of nut consumption, and the surprisingly deep world of pasta shapes. All of it was tied back to the Mediterranean diet’s key values: quality, quantity, and sustainability. But what I didn’t expect were the experiences that brought those lessons to life. The activities we participated in completely reshaped the way I understood the Mediterranean lifestyle. Yes, it’s important to come into this course ready to listen, learn, and study for the final exam—but my biggest recommendation? Let yourself be fully immersed in the culture. The hands-on elements are where the real transformation happens.

You will go on at least one (okay, maybe two… or three) “power walks” that take you through parts of Florence you might never have explored on your own. One sunny afternoon, Professor Polloni led us up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and by the next class, we were climbing the hills near Bardini Garden with umbrellas in hand and soaked sneakers on our feet. I still look back at the photos from those days, romanticizing the views—even the ones blurred by rain. A week later, we were rowing down the Arno River, still just a few weeks into studying abroad, and I couldn’t  stop thinking: I can’t believe this is a class. That same thought echoed again as we biked six miles through the city, passing smiling locals who waved as we rode by. The truth is, you can choose the mindset you bring into this class. And while a 3 p.m. start might not be ideal, it’s a small tradeoff for the kind of experience that stays with you long after the course ends. When else will you have this opportunity?

Yes, the lectures were important. Yes, the exam mattered. But the heart of this course lies in the real-life moments that remind you just how rich the Mediterranean lifestyle is. If you’re thinking about taking this class, here’s my advice: show up with curiosity, energy, and a willingness to engage. Ask questions. Take the long walk. Try the olive oil. This class won’t just teach you about a diet—it’ll show you a lifestyle worth embracing.