7 French Diet Tips to Eat Like the French and Stay Healthy
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It may seem like the ultimate paradox — eating the most indulgent foods while staying healthy and slim. I discovered the magic of French eating habits while dining with my French boyfriend and his family every day during quarantine. After following a typical French diet for 4 months, I lost almost 10 pounds. My weight loss was unintentional, but it enlightened me about my previous poor eating habits.
The French aren’t healthy in all ways though — for example, their love affair with cigarettes *cough cough*— and yes, French women do get fat. Their general diet habits, however, demonstrate a healthy way to have a relationship with food. Here are some of the French diet tips that will help you to stay healthy and happy.
7 French Diet Tips to Eat Like the French and Stay Healthy
1. Make Your Meal a Priority
Mealtime is never skipped or rushed in France. While not every meal is extravagant, it is always fully enjoyed at a leisurely pace usually with good company. When you prioritize sitting down and focusing on your food, your body will have more time to process when it’s full, and you’ll be more likely to avoid overeating.
2. Everything in Moderation
An essential part of French culture is incredible food and wine. The French don’t sacrifice enjoying their favorite foods but instead eat them in moderation. Opting for smaller serving sizes is a healthy way to enjoy seemingly guilty foods like butter, cheese, wine, and dessert. The high fat content of a lot of French foods doesn’t require you to eat too much to feel full either.
Read More: A Beginner’s Guide to French Wine
3. Choose Quality Foods
The French are dedicated to quality, especially when it comes to food. Shopping at markets is a huge part of French culture — it’s even a daily ritual for some people. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often purchased over the produce found at a supermarket and convenience store. Try visiting your local farmer’s market and opt for foods that are free of preservatives and chemicals. By choosing quality foods, you’ll eat more purposefully and better nourish your body.
4. Add Courses to your Meal
In France, meals are enjoyed as courses, usually including l’entrée (appetizer), le plat principal (main dish), le fromage (cheese), and le dessert. And of course, you can always add more courses depending on the occasion. When you spread out your meal over several courses, you slow down and savor your food. Eating in courses doesn’t mean you have to cook more; you just don’t place all of your food on your plate at once. Your mealtime will feel much more elevated too!
5. No Mindless Snacking
In France there is no mindless snacking throughout the day — especially not with chips in front of the T.V. Food is only enjoyed at mealtime or during le goûter. This snacking ritual takes place in the late afternoon and involves eating a sweet snack to keep one going until dinner. Enjoying a snack is not bad, but it should be intentional and enjoyed like a small meal.
Read More: Frenchify Your Life with These Amazon Buys
6. Drink Lots of Water
Yes, you’ve probably heard this tip too many times already, but drinking water is essential for your overall well-being. You don’t have to be gulping liters and liters of plain water either. Swap your morning coffee for an herbal tea. Enjoy a glass of sparkling mineral water with your lunch or dinner. If you’re devoted to sugary drinks, try using a non-alcoholic sirop to flavor your water. It’s a very popular drink in France and a slightly healthier option than soda.
7. Stay Active
The French like to walk or bike everywhere. In many French towns, people choose to run errands on foot overtaking the car. Keeping active during your day-to-day activities is a simple way to be healthy. If you need your car to get around, try parking 10 or 15 minutes away from your destination. You can also try walking outdoors during a work break or make a habit of taking an evening stroll after dinner. The key is to be moving!
Read More: I Tried Living Like a Stereotypical French Girl
What do you think of the French diet? Let me know in the comments below.
