French Paradox: how to enjoy food and stay slim and healthy?

Have you heard of the "French paradox" – How to stay slim on a no-deprivation diet?

I am French and I confirm that the below is not a myth and applies in France:

As far as dieting goes, the French are probably one of the biggest lifestyle paradoxes around: they drink wine regularly, have a high-fat diet and yet they have the lowest heart-attack rate in Europe and only 7% of the population is obese, compared to a staggering 23% in Britain.

French women secrets of slimness:

• Rigorous portion control: "A recent study found that French portions were, on average, 25% smaller than those in the US" explains Lyndel Costain, nutritionist

• Quality, not quantity: Food is sacred, instead of inhaling a burger in two minutes flat, they enjoy their fresh food. They savor it.

• East slowly: In France, fast food and take out are uncommon

•  Don't be lazy: Take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator

•  Make Lunch your biggest Meal: According to several studies, French people eat 60% percent of their day's calories before 2 P.M 

•  No Snack culture: The French snack on average less than once a day

• Eat breakfast & avoid skipping meals: 85 % of French adults have breakfast

Recommended French breakfast:

cereals, dairy, fruit or fruit juice, drink (coffee or tea)

And finally, "French women refuse to accept being overweight", says Benchetrit, director of the Clinique du Poids (weight loss clinic) in Paris. "It is no secret that they want to be beautiful, in love, and take care of themselves so they look good."

Have you enjoyed this article? Think others might like it too? I’d love you to leave a comment, retweet it on Twitter or “Like” it on Facebook. Merci!

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To know more about the French Paradox,
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