In 1893, the Dispigno family arrived in America from Italy. Relocating to Philadelphia, they opened a restaurant that showcased the cuisine of their homeland to an appreciative audience. Over a century later, Ralph’s is now America’s oldest family-owned Italian eatery, run by the fourth generation of Dispignos. There are few restaurants in America that can boast this much history, and Ralph’s is quite rightly a Philly institution. In classic Italian style, the portions are enormous, with only the most ravenous diners able to tear through them in one sitting. Regulars rave about the Veal Parmesan, but just about everything that comes out of the kitchen is excellent. Service is attentive and friendly—you don’t stay open for 100 years by pissing off the regulars. Ralph’s is a one-of-a-kind Italian restaurant that any fan of the cuisine should make a pilgrimage to. One thing to note: Ralph's is cash only, but if you forget to load up there is an ATM on site.

Ralph’s
760 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-6011
www.ralphsrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ralphs-italian-restaurant-philadelphia

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Dieting is never easy, but once you know the right foods to eat you'll start to see the pounds melt away. Here are a few smart foods that will help you to lose weight and stay fuller for longer.

1. Beans and legumes. Foods like black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are high in fiber, which builds muscle and helps to keep you feeling full. Beans are also very inexpensive, and they’re a great alternative to meat for those who are vegan or vegetarian.
2. Dark chocolate. If you have a sweet tooth that just won’t quit, it doesn’t have to sabotage your whole diet. Dark chocolate is a great alternative to sugary milk chocolate, cakes, and cookies, and it is also lower in calories. Just be sure to mind your portion sizes!
3. Eggs and turkey sausage. Eating a protein-packed breakfast will help you to stay on track for the rest of the day. Eggs are great because they’re versatile and can be prepared a number of different ways, and lean turkey sausage is much lower in fat than traditional pork sausage. Eat this meal with a side of fresh fruit to start your morning off right.
4. Avocado. You may think that you need to avoid eating fat in order to, well, lose fat, but healthy fats like avocado are actually an important part of any lean diet. The oleic acid found in avocados helps to quiet hunger, and these superfoods are also packed with fiber and protein.

9 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [WebMD]
Best Superfoods for Weight Loss [Health.com]
15 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [Good Housekeeping]
Use These 8 Foods to Help You Lose Weight [U.S. News]

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Philadelphia is a very family-friendly city, provided that you know the right places to take the little ones. Kids of all ages will love these exciting, fun-filled attractions, and the adults might even enjoy them just as much.

Please Touch Museum
Few museums are as hands-on as Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, which invites children to build, drive, climb on, and explore every exhibit. The museum is centered around the idea that kids learn best through play, and it features exhibits like mazes to teach special reasoning, an interactive neighborhood, and even a Flight Fantasy exhibit that teaches balance and coordination.

Smith Memorial Playground
This historic playground is located in Philly’s East Fairmount Park, and it is targeted toward children ages 10 and younger. The park spans 6 ½ acres and hosts more than 50 pieces of safe, age appropriate playground equipment to offer children the opportunity for creative and social play. Better still, entry to this Philadelphia institution is free.

Philadelphia Zoo
Tiny animal lovers and their parents will both enjoy spending a day at the Philadelphia Zoo. This expansive zoo is 42-acres large and is home to more than 1,300 exotic animals, many of which are rare or endangered. The zoo includes a KidZooU area that is specifically designed for children, including child friendly gates, accessible restrooms and more. This area teaches children about animals in a way that they can understand, and it even offers education about the zoo’s conservation and recycling initiatives.

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