Exploring Northern Italy with Bonita Springs, Florida Chiropractor, Dr. Vivian Ebert
Northern Italy is a destination steeped in history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious culinary traditions. For me, this recent adventure was more than just a vacation. It was a chance to put the three foundational pillars of LivingWell Chiropractic —“Eat Well, Think Well, Move Well”— into practice, even while traveling.
I enjoyed traveling with my oldest sister, Cindy, on this trip. We began our journey in Zurich, Switzerland, and made our way to Florence, Italy. Although each destination was just a short train ride away, we rented a car from Florence to Tuscany, then Portifino, and dropped it off in Milan.
While the region offered endless opportunities for adventure, including our hiking excursion in the serene Lake District near Lake Como, it also presented daily reminders of how critical it is to care for your body and mind, especially when covering lots of ground.
In the spirit of my three practice pillars of Eat Well, Think Well, and Move Well, I hope you enjoy my recap of Northern Italy!
“Move Well” – Keeping Active While Exploring
The amount of walking you’ll do when exploring Northern Italy cannot be underestimated. Each city we visited offered miles of cobblestone streets and scenic routes begging to be explored. While this is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and environment, it’s also important to remember that you’ll need to support your body throughout these adventures.
Wear supportive footwear: Good shoes are essential for walking the historical streets of Florence or hiking the picturesque trails near Bellagio at Lake Como. The uneven terrain can be tough on your feet, knees, and back. Prioritizing shoes that offer proper arch support and cushioning will make a world of difference, and your body will thank you by the end of the day.
Stretch regularly: My sister and I found that incorporating simple stretches in the morning, evening, and throughout the day was crucial to keeping our muscles and joints happy. Even a few minutes of stretching can help prevent stiffness and soreness, allowing you to enjoy your adventure with less discomfort. These stretches don’t need to be complex—a gentle stretch targeting your legs, hips, and lower back will do the trick.
Ergonomics while traveling: We had our share of train rides abroad, which can last a few hours. Carrying a travel pillow became essential for supporting our necks and backs during these trips. Maintaining good posture and finding ways to stay comfortable during transit is key to avoiding unnecessary strain. If you travel with a backpack, consider using a rolling suitcase instead to reduce the load on your spine.
“Eat Well” – Embracing Italy’s Fresh Fare
Italian cuisine is often synonymous with pasta, pizza, and indulgent pastries. While these delicious foods are readily available, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to maintain a healthy diet on this trip.
Fresh and organic ingredients: Everywhere we went, from the smallest café to the finest restaurants, there was an emphasis on fresh, organic produce. Even breakfasts, though often carb-heavy, included vibrant fruit and freshly made cheeses. This abundance of whole foods helped me stay aligned with the “Eat Well” pillar of LivingWell Chiropractic.
Gelato vs. Ice Cream: I couldn’t resist sampling the gelato at one or two (okay, maybe three) spots during our time in Italy. At first, I assumed it was simply a local variation of ice cream, but I discovered there are subtle but important differences. Gelato is made with more milk than cream, resulting in a lower fat content, and it’s churned at a slower speed, creating a denser, smoother texture. While gelato may feel like an indulgence, it tends to be a lighter, slightly healthier option compared to traditional ice cream.
Stay hydrated and enjoy in moderation: It’s easy to get caught up in the indulgence of Italian cuisine, but staying hydrated is vital, especially when walking for miles in the Italian heat. My sister and I always had water on hand, which helped maintain energy levels and avoid dehydration. And when it came time to relax after a long day of exploring, we found a nice glass of Chianti was a great way to wind down—enjoying it in moderation, of course!
“Think Well” – Caring for Your Mind While You Travel
Travel can be thrilling but also challenge your mental well-being, especially when dealing with weather changes, packed itineraries, and physical exertion. I found that being mindful of my mental health allowed me to make the most of the trip while maintaining a balanced state of mind.
Dressing for unpredictable weather: One of the most surprising parts of the trip was the fluctuating temperatures. It was hot in the low 90s early on in our travels in Florence, but when we ended our journey in Zurich, it was a chilly 44°F! The key to navigating this was dressing in layers. It allowed me to adapt quickly to the changing conditions, staying comfortable and focused on enjoying the sights.
Quality rest and mindfulness: With long days of walking and sightseeing, it was necessary to prioritize quality sleep. A good night’s rest is critical to mental clarity and physical recovery, which I tried to maintain despite the excitement of being in a new place. Practicing mindfulness through a few minutes of deep breathing or simply taking in the view helped keep me centered. Travel can be stressful, but allowing yourself moments of calm leads to “thinking well” throughout your journey.
Stay mentality flexible and open-minded: Italy’s rich history and culture can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to want to pack your days full of sightseeing, but I found that leaving room for spontaneity and flexibility made for a more enjoyable and less stressful experience. Whether discovering a hidden café in Portofino or taking an unexpected hike around Lake Como, going with the flow allowed us to experience Italy’s magic more profoundly.
Lessons from Northern Italy: Apply “Eat Well, Think Well, Move Well” Everywhere
This journey was a testament to how seamlessly the principles of “Eat Well, Think Well, Move Well” can be applied to everyday life—whether you’re “up North,” at home in Bonita Springs, or halfway across the world in Italy. At LivingWell Chiropractic, we encourage patients to embrace these three pillars as part of their wellness routine.
No matter where you are now or where you are going next, taking time to listen to your body, nourish it with whole foods, and care for your mental well-being can transform any experience and the overall quality of daily life. After all, life itself is an adventure—whether you’re walking the streets of Milan or the beaches of Florida.
When you’re searching for a “chiropractor near me,” you can feel confident directing all your chiropractic care-related questions to Dr. Vivian Ebert of LivingWell Chiropractic in Bonita Springs, FL, located in The Brooks Town Center at the northwest corner of Three Oaks Parkway and Coconut Road.
LivingWell Chiropractic provides state-of-the-art chiropractic care, spinal decompression, medical massage, and nutritional guidance with a holistic wellness approach focused on pain relief for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Centrally located in Bonita Springs, the office is convenient for patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and South Fort Myers.
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