Diet the French Way!

A Variety of French Cuisine
Taken from www.huyenchi11.blogspot.com 

In America, French cuisine and diet are not synonymous words; in fact, there are quite opposite for to go to Europe means to gain a pant size (or two).  Yet, the French, and in particular, the French women, tend to be thinner than most while eating high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods daily [Asher].  What is the secret to this madness, then?  How can they eat whatever they want while maintaining healthy (and much lower than the United States') weight?  As Sally Asher states on her website, www.girlsguidetoparis.com, the French way of eating is all in the mindset, which controls the portion eaten, the exercise taken and all the enjoyment in between.

This is a Russian spin-off of an already hearty French meal
Taken from www.washingtonpost.com

The daily amount that it is eaten is perhaps the most surprising aspect in any Frenchwomen's diet.  According to Sally Asher, "Decadent foods are treated like a delicacy, eaten only after a meal and in small amounts. French women would rather have a slither of silky smooth mousse cake than a whole slab of fat-free cake that doesn't thrill the taste buds."  Also, while incorporating the amount of food, many Frenchwomen choose to eat more natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and yogurt in addition to the more traditional wine, bread and cheese.  Kathleen M. Zelman, a leading dietitian who has spent some time in France, has observed that even in groceries, there is an entire aisle filled with yogurt while only small section devoted to what Americans tend to favor, such as chips, cookies and soda.  However, the French tend to eat smaller portions of these healthier foods as well, and adults always stick to three meals a day [Zelman].

Walking is the favorite pastime in Brittany, France
Taken from: www.brittany-ferries.co.uk

Then, the French exercise regularly, but not because they want to, but because they have to [Zelman].  Many people must walk to their work or to the metro station (which is usually not far away) as owning a vehicle can be challenging in France [Zelman].  Imagine if more Americans walked to their destinations, or if they stopped working out at the gyms, which makes them resort to binge eating later.  Yet, if they added these types of exercise in their daily lives, wouldn't that help them attain a healthy weight?  Additionally, the "carb fest" during or after exercising is a large factor, for unlike Americans, "when French people walk or drive, they usually are not eating, drinking coffee in cardboard cups, or talking on cell phones" [Zelman].  As previously researched, eating while distracted (i.e. while watching television, driving a vehicle and etc) actually leads to more food being consumed, which, in turn, makes for an overweight life style. 

A Classic, yet Artistic French Meal
Taken from: www.omahanightlife.com

Finally, in reference to the last point of a life style, Frenchwomen enjoy their food and they have a different mindset about eating than Americans do.  Sally Asher recommends a variety of tips on eating slow, talking small bites, and choosing what to eat first, yet all her hints boil down to the common phrase, you need to eat to live and not live to eat.  This French mindset means to set aside a time to eat, and sitting down to enjoy the meal [Asher].  Author Mireille Guiliano affirms this French thinking by stating, "We sit down and eat for pleasure, using all of our senses" [Zelman].  To compare, how many times do we sit and completely enjoy the food in America?  Or does the United States have a more "just eat and fill up" mentality?  While the people of United States buy and consume large amounts, the French pick and choose what they like - which rewards their waistlines and pocket-books in the long run.

For Your Sweet-Tooth: Le Pain Au Chocolat
Taken from: www.alitchick.blogspot.com

In conclusion, the French in their food choice, portion, mindset and exercise helps them regulate their weight, which, on average, is far healthier than that of the typical American's [Zelman].  To diet the French way would be a great change for the American people, yet I think that it would work for anyone.  Who cannot resist eating their most richest foods, such as the the chocolate-stuffed French bread, le pain au chocolat, without getting fat?  Personally, I think that the switch to French eating would be quite easy; it would only be the portion control and exercising that would be hard! 

Works Cited:

Asher, Sally. "The French Diet: How French Women Eat Rich and Stay Slim." www.girlsguidetoparis.com. Inspire Partners, LLC, 13 Jan. 2013. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.

Zelman, Kathleen M. "How the French Stay Slim." MedicineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc., 10 Mar. 2005. Web. 06 Mar. 2013.