Many people are often baffled by French women's ability to eat bread, cheese, chocolates and drink wine, yet still maintain a thin frame. There are some basic rules that the French live by, and the main idea to remember is to eat slowly and really enjoy every bite of food. Contact your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program.
Step 1
Watch your portion size. Many Americans eat portions that are much too large. Instead, eat smaller portions of food. Eating slowly will help you eat less because your body will have time to feel full. Try using smaller plates and bowls when eating at home. When dining out, order an appetizer instead of a large meal, or only eat half of your meal and save the other half for the next day.
Step 2
Eat foods that you truly enjoy, but eat less at a time. Depriving yourself of something that you really love can cause you to overeat and binge later. Instead, enjoy a small amount of any food you are craving to satisfy you. For example, if you are craving chocolate, enjoy a small square of a good quality chocolate. Don't have a large piece of chocolate cake. Learn to satisfy cravings with less food.
Step 3
Eat only high-quality foods. For example, enjoying a high-quality cheese will satisfy your cravings so you will need less. Avoid processed and junk foods and try to eat all-natural beef, chicken, fish, cheese, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy high-quality wines in moderation. Basically, eat only foods that taste the best, or you are just wasting your calories. Be picky about where you buy your food and about what you eat. This will result in eating food that is better for you, and can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body.
Step 4
Exercise every day if possible. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes a day. French women stay active by walking and biking everywhere instead of taking a car. Do as much exercise as possible. Burning a lot of calories through activity helps balance out some of the higher calorie foods that you might have indulged in. Exercise also offers many health benefits in addition to weight loss, such as reducing risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Consider strength training as well as cardio to help you develop a well-rounded routine and a toned body.
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