A heartfelt journey from Italian roots to discovering the richness of British food culture and how mindful, seasonal eating reshaped my path to holistic health. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Leaving Italy: A Journey Begins…
When I moved to the UK in 2009, my life transformed dramatically. I left behind more than just a place. I departed from my Italian roots, my beloved family and friends, a job in advertising in the cool town of Bologna, and of course the familiar comfort of Mediterranean cuisine, sunshine, and beaches. Armed with nothing but determination and zero English skills, I embarked on a culinary and cultural adventure that would reshape my understanding of food, nutrition, and community.
First Taste: Working in Sheffield, Italian Flavours and English Curiosity
My initial years in Sheffield were a whirlwind of ‘gastronomic’ exploration. I found myself working at a well reputed Italian restaurant, where most staff were fellow Italians, and the English chefs were surprisingly passionate about understanding authentic Italian cuisine. This experience was my first window into the nuanced world of British food culture.
Simultaneously, I worked at a charming English gastro pub, this was my introduction to traditional British dishes and northern English humour. It was here that I encountered black pudding for the first time and discovered an unexpected appreciation for Argentinian, Chilean, and South African red wines, shared by the pub’s delightfully eccentric owner. Those cozy evenings with regulars, sipping wine and sharing stories, began to chip away at my preconceived notions about English food.
At the time, I was also dating a very talented English cocktail maker – well-travelled and equally passionate about food. Together, we explored the culinary landscape of northern England. These experiences ignited a genuine curiosity about what “Italian food” meant to English people and vice versa.
I am not going to lie, but like many immigrants, I remember spending considerable time complaining about the lack of sunshine, heat, and what I perceived as inferior food quality. I would dream of my mother’s lasagna, my great aunt’s fish broth, and those perfect slices of white pizza with mortadella. I was constantly torn between my desire for high-quality ingredients and the frustration of supermarket limitations.
A Shift in Perspective: Discovering English Culinary Heritage
Fast forward ten years, with a new partner (now my husband) and a clearer understanding of nutrition and gut health — gained through self-study, personal experiments, countless books, and various courses — I began to realise just how rich the heritage of English cuisine is, especially in the countryside. Thanks to my husband’s family, who are partly from the beautiful Somerset, I started spending weekends there, eating and appreciating local produce. We would buy directly from the producers, and the quality of the food was on a completely different level. It was a true eye-opener.
I started to see how much depth there is in British food traditions: especially in the countryside, where traditional methods, local produce, and a deep respect for food still thrive.
The contrast between urban and rural food cultures became strikingly apparent.
Urban vs. Rural: Two Food Worlds
Urban Food Culture
- A fast-paced lifestyle that leaves little time for cooking
- Prevalence of processed, convenience foods
- Reduced connection with food preparation and nutrition
- Heavy marketing push toward convenience and packaged goods
Rural Food Culture
- A slower, more intentional way of living
- Deep connection with nature and food production
- Genuine love and respect for animals and ingredients
- More home cooking and traditional food preparation methods
The problem, I concluded, wasn’t a lack of fresh, seasonal produce, it was a systemic lack of food education and cultural knowledge (and let me add, the government could definitely do more to support British farmers!).
My Personal Solution: Embracing Local and Seasonal Eating
I decided I wanted to understand British produce by connecting directly with local farmers where/when I could. This approach revealed a world of ingredients I had previously overlooked:
- Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, beetroot, radishes rich in minerals
- Diverse green vegetables such as kale, rainbow chard, spinach, spring greens, Brussels sprouts
- Omega-3 -dense fish like mackerel, sardines, herrings
- Exceptional local meats, especially lamb
- British berries
- Just to name a few as the list can go on and on
My great aunt, my original food mentor, would have been proud of how I learned to use entire plants, avoiding waste and maximising nutrition.
A Holistic Approach to Nutrition
I firmly believe that true health begins with intentional, nutritious eating. No supplement can replace the fundamental practice of consuming real, local, and seasonal food. Our bodies thrive on whole, unprocessed ingredients that connect us to our environment and community.
In future blog posts, I’ll dive deeper into how local, seasonal, and organic eating can nurture our gut health and overall well-being.
Interested in a hands-on learning experience? Check out my one-on-one sessions here where we’ll:
- Shop for nutritious ingredients together
- Learn to read and understand food labels
- Cook delicious, health-supporting meals
Let’s transform our relationship with food: one ingredient at a time.
Community, Inspiration & Resources
As you explore local, seasonal, and sustainable eating, I’ve found incredible inspiration from a few accounts that embody the principles of mindful, earth-conscious nutrition:
While here in Milton Keynes where I live, some local farms I have come across that are worth a visit (and if you know of any others it would be amazing if you can share it in the comments!)
The Urb Farm @growingpeople
Cranley Barn Farm & Shop @cranleybarn_farmandshop
Nature Way Farm @naturewayfarmuk
What are your thoughts on British food? Let me know in the comments.
Take care
Paola xx
