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Philosophy Behind the French Women's Diet

Apr 18, 2011 | By Laura Agadoni
Philosophy Behind the French Women's Diet
Photo Credit woman eating sandwich image by forca from Fotolia.com

French women are noted for their sense of style, confident outlook and downright laissez-faire attitude regarding what they eat. French woman tend to believe in spa treatments, detoxification methods and drinking healing teas. French women also walk to where they are going, in high heels or not. When it comes to a beautification lifestyle, French woman seem to know all the secrets, including how to eat.

"French Women Don't Get Fat"

One French women's diet that has taken the world by storm is contained in the book, "French Women Don't Get Fat" by Mireille Guiliano. As with many diet books, there is some good information to help you lose weight, but you are also going to find information based on some shaky science, and according to Katherine Tallmadge, R.D., this book is no exception. Guiliano is not a weight loss expert or professional. Instead, she is relying on her personal experience and observations. For example, Tallmadge says that Guiliano's recommendations of eating soups, increasing your vegetable intake, walking and weight training are all solid weight loss advice. But, some advice is less credible, like leeks are somehow "magical" and a diuretic, which is not supported by science. Guiliano's leek soup fast, recommended in the book, is not necessary.

The Dukan Diet

Another diet from France is the Dukan Diet, a high-protein diet similar to the Atkins diet. This diet doesn't allow you to eat bread or fruit in the early stages. Mary Hartley, R.D., said that this diet can cause "vitamin and mineral deficiencies," adding that the Dukan Diet is "definitely not healthy." The Dukan Diet is supposed to be reserved for obese people only, who are being monitored by a doctor. This diet is not for mainstream use and is not one that you should sustain.

French Tips You Can Use

Change the way you eat to reflect the best of French diets, especially if you are the type to gulp a fast food burger, while multitasking on your laptop, reading the newspaper or eating in front of the TV. When the French eat, they pay attention to what they are putting in their mouths, savoring the flavor. This method gives food an importance that multitasking with a burger doesn't. The French message is to eat only good foods, meaning fresh and healthy fare, and to pay attention to the eating process. Take your time, stopping between bites to converse with a friend or simply to enjoy your surroundings. Look at your food, too, and see the beauty in it. When you eat this way, you tend to eat less and are more satisfied with the experience. You can even eat chocolate using this method. Eat it as a French woman would though; be disciplined. Guiliano says to take only one piece from your chocolate bar, but to savor it, which should satisfy your chocolate craving. You don't have to eat the entire chocolate bar.

Lifestyle Change

If you eat as a French woman does, eat croissants, creamy sauces on your meals and cheese. Do that instead of eating processed cheese crackers that you get in a box, potato chips and other such "faux foods" as Guiliano calls it. French woman also enjoy fruits and vegetables, and they never overeat in one sitting. The French put the quality of their food ahead of the quantity. In other words, a $5 value meal would hold no attraction for a French woman. More eating tips of French woman include drinking plenty of water throughout the day, using seasonings on food, eating foods that are in season, savoring a good glass of wine -- never drinking too much, getting enough exercise and giving yourself a treat every once in awhile. If you take anything away from the French style of eating, it's moderation, balance and taking time with your food.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Apr 18, 2011

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