FRENCH WOMEN
New York executive Mireille Guiliano makes a bold statement with her dieting book “French Women Don't Get Fat”. The dieting program, named after the book, is an unrestrictive diet that details the lifestyle habits of French women, who, Guiliano claims, stay much more fit and trim than their American counterparts. Guiliano emphasizes the lifestyle that she followed during her upbringing in France, such as eating smaller portions, eating in moderation, and exercising regularly. Naturally, the French do not believe in self-denial, and this program appeals to the dieter that doesn't desire a restrictive, calorie counting diet.
Foods Emphasized: Small portions of anything, including chocolate and cheese, eating in moderation
Foods Discouraged: Large portioned meals
Premise and Guidelines: Mireille Guiliano was brought up in France and remembers how the French regularly visit fresh fruit stands and vegetable markets, and that mealtime is an enjoyable, relaxing and pleasurable occasion. These experiences are the basis for the ‘secrets’ of how French women stay so slim. Her weight loss strategy doesn't involve calorie counting, or specifically cutting back on fats or carbs. According to Guiliano, successful weight loss and maintenance is derived from eating high quality foods in small portions and enjoying the food instead of scarfing it down quickly. By taking your time at meals, you will end up eating less and feeling satisfied. Your digestion will be much improved from eating at a slower pace, says Guiliano. Although there isn’t any scientific research to validate the assertions made by our French diet guru, the regimen seems to appeal to the general population. The overwhelming popularity of her diet book shows that the sensibility and non-restrictive approach appeals to many prospective dieters.
When it comes to the topic of exercise, Guiliano says French women really don't 'sweat it out at the gym', but they do enjoy a more casual form of exercise-walking. Because walking is so common in France, where pedestrians are not so automobile-dependent, women benefit from this ‘exercise’ each day as a necessity and a habit. Therefore, walking is central to the cardiovascular part of this diet, which is still pretty limited. During the initial months, the dieter must keep a food diary noting everything that is eaten. Once they have reached their weight loss goals, they need to adjust their plan for maintainence and use the diary to be aware of any possible trigger foods.
This diet places emphasis on self-regulation, especially since the diet doesn't require the elimination of particular foods. For example, more emphasis is placed on serving sizes and balance. If overindulgence occurs at a meal, additional exercise or reduced serving sizes at the next meal should be implemented. His diet may not be scientifically supported yet, but there are some ideas that could enrich your wellness plan. Portion control is a good idea, and so is the concept of not worrying about food or exercise. Too much stress can cause the body to store fat irregularly. And, although the French women may be thinner now, thanks to the growing commercialism of American fast-food chains and snacks, statistics show that they are catching up with us weight-wise. Perhaps we should stick with that baguette after all.