Everyone knows that Europeans love to eat, yet many of them manage, against all odds, to keep a svelte, slim figure. Their food is often rich and full-flavored, and they don't skip dessert. Travelogues always show local folks at their favorite restaurants, mingling and enjoying beautiful food, having a wonderful time. What is their secret?

Almost everyone has heard by now about the merits of the Mediterranean diet. Here is a big tip: enjoy your food. Sounds obvious, right? But what I mean is that you should eat as slowly as possible, take very small bites, and savor the flavor as long as you can. I was impressed by a scene of Italians having gelato (ice cream) at a fancy outdoor cafe, when I noticed that they were eating very slowly, and using the smallest spoons I had ever seen! They were like baby spoons, but with long handles. This allowed them to linger over the frosty treats for a very long time, and get the most pleasure from each tiny spoonful.

Get some small spoons, either baby spoons — some are quite elegant — or small coffee-stirring spoons (likewise), and use these when you have dessert. Of course, make sure that the ice cream or other spoonable treat is sugar-free!