Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis is renowned for bringing classic Italian dishes to the forefront of America’s culinary landscape. While traveling—whether she is in Italy or elsewhere—she emphasizes the importance of meals that are both intentional and reflective of the local culture.
Passion for Food
“Food is a passion for me, and it’s really important for me to try local cuisines,” De Laurentiis conveyed. “With that being said, I like to be mindful about what I’m consuming as I never want to feel sluggish and tired while exploring an amazing place.”
Authentic Italian Cooking
Giada has also introduced her own Italian cuisine and lifestyle-inspired e-commerce site, Giadzy — By Giada de Laurentiis. This initiative aims to make authentic Italian cooking accessible to everyone, developed from her experiences with farmers and new recipes aimed at sharing the richness of Italian culinary heritage.
“It’s been a dream of mine to bring authentic Italian ingredients to people’s homes, and I feel really honored to share products and these farmers’ stories with the world,” she shared. The site currently features 150 Italian recipes with plans for 100 more before the holiday season.
Travel Preparation
De Laurentiis emphasizes a balanced approach when it comes to eating while traveling. “I plan my meals,” she mentions, expressing excitement about trying new restaurants, yet she leaves room for spontaneity.
Healthy Eating On-the-Go
Moreover, she prioritizes hydration during flights. If fresh snacks like sliced apples or fennel aren’t available, she opts for Pan d’aria Tradizione Puffed Crackers, which she carries in her bag.
“I find the cleaner I eat on a flight, the better I feel when I arrive,” she noted. To combat jet lag, she sets her watch to her destination’s timezone before takeoff.
Additionally, she always travels with a scarf to keep warm and prefers to layer her clothing to adapt to varying climates. For skincare, she has a homemade exfoliant recipe that includes rice flour and olive oil—two staples she keeps handy.
Just like many adventurers, she incorporates activity into her travels by exploring new locations on foot. However, she also brings a workout band for a quick stretch after long flights.
“I find that I’m active all of the time, so an actual workout feels less necessary,” she concludes.
