French culture values the practice of healthy habits. We should all consider adopting these customs
France is an attractive country with stylish manners and impressive cuisine. They also have one of the lowest obesity rates in Europe. So what gives? The answer is simple: the healthy French people don’t know they’re in a country of glamour.
French restaurants typically follow a set of habits that are easy to incorporate into daily life. By understanding these traditions, it’s easier to emulate the French diet. Let’s learn by looking around France’s Côte d’Azur or through Paris streets.
Diminish your consumption of everything so that you can savor it to your heart’s content
A research study found that only 8% of French people eat light foods. If you prefer milk in your coffee instead of half-and-half, or you want some yogurt, use the same reasoning. Fat is healthy and necessary for a balanced diet— don’t substitute it with water-based foods.
Compared to other western countries’ cake portions, the French typically have small plates of dessert. This is because many American and British restaurants serve enormous portions of food.
Appreciate your meal from start to finish
The French don’t feel guilty after eating a croissant. This is due to their cultural identity, and it’s a great way to live life with no stress. It’s also healthy to have a positive relationship with food.
People in France are more focused on the taste, texture, and effects of their food than they are the calories it contains. This motivates them to enjoy each bite to the fullest because they don’t have to fear overeating.
No processed food remnants were found
French people eat a diet that’s mostly based on seasonal products. A small percentage of them regularly consume processed foods. This data was proven by the same study in which only 28% of French people regularly ate processed foods. Their diet is very natural and doesn’t include a lot of processed foods or packaged foods. Instead, they prefer Grandma’s recipes like onion soup, ratatouille and beef stew.
Avoiding processed foods is important to maintaining a healthy diet— as these foods contain significant amounts of calories with little nutritional value. Additionally, avoiding these foods helps avoid sugars and trans fats that have high levels of calories but low nutritional value.
The French eat early
Many people who eat dinner later in the evening are more likely to suffer from obesity. In fact, studies show that late dinners lead to poor sleep and decreased health.
Like many other European countries, the French generally eat dinner between 19:30 and 20:00. They don’t eat dinner later than 22:00 in Spain.
Cheese is always an option!
In 2015, French citizens consumed the most cheese of any country. A large portion of this was likely due to the popularity of their fondue recipes. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published research in 2015 that stated the average French person consumes 26 kilograms of cheese each year.
People consider cheese to be unhealthy, but it actually has many positive health effects— including Vitamin K and calcium for the bones. It’s also an excellent source of high biological value proteins, excellent energy and heart benefits. Additionally, no one can deny that cheese tastes delicious.
There is no better way to spend time than at the market
Parisian’s love to shop the local markets on the weekends. They often do this with reusable totes full of fresh produce. This isn’t just a popular habit for French people; it’s a great example for others to follow. This shows how buying food from the source is much healthier and more natural than buying packaged food. It also encourages local artisans and supports their communities.
The French don’t eat five meals a day
The latest theories prove that the French get by with only three meals a day. When we eat nonstop and regularly skip meals, our bodies have to take time between meal intervals to cleanse itself. Try this out and you will definitely notice a difference: you’ll feel more energized, alert and weightless.
Eating in a sitting position is a matter of great importance
Before a meal, the French enjoy a lingering moment at the table. For them, this is a tradition that takes time away from their day. They don’t rush through their meal when they’re in a hurry to go to work.
Our sense of calmness while seated at a table leads to improved digestion. This fact may not be noticeable to some, but it has a significant effect on how our bodies process nutrients from our meals. Eating calmly, chewing slowly and with focus, and taking a seat instead of running around can help promote good digestive processes.