Popular Diets Reviewed: French Women Don't Get Fat

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If you've ever been to France or other parts of Europe you’ve probably noticed that, for the most part, the people there are thinner than most Americans. While obesity rates are increasing worldwide, they remain highest in the United States. About 33 percent of Americans are overweight compared with 10 percent of French citizens. I believe that these statistics have lent to the popularity of the French Women Don't Get Fat diet.

Based on the French philosophy of quality over quantity, this diet encourages a lifestyle of moderation but allows you to eat anything you want. It's about using high quality, natural ingredients and taking the time to savor the flavors, textures and aromas of the food that you eat. It asserts that if you eat high quality foods you will be satisfied by smaller amounts.

Method
This diet begins by recommending that you take a three month inventory of your current diet by keeping a food diary. During this time you are encouraged to fast on the weekends, eating only leek soup. While this may jump start your weight loss, the leek soup is not a "magical" diuretic as the diet claims, you are losing weight because you are decreasing your calories. After this three month period you are encouraged to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs with low-fat dairy, lean meats and lots of water. You are allowed to eat anything you want, but encouraged to do so in moderation and eating for pleasure.

The author recommends eating slowly and savoring each bite, stopping when you feel satisfied. She asserts that when you eat with your head, you can leave the table feeling comfortable having not overeaten. She also suggests using your clothing instead of the scale to measure your weight loss success. When your clothes begin to feel snug you should re-evaluate your lifestyle and what and how you are eating.

What You Can Eat
You're allowed to eat just about everything on this diet, but moderation is stressed and fresh, local foods are encouraged. The diet focuses on fruit, vegetables, lean meats and proteins, low-fat dairy, breads, cereals, and olive oil. It also encourages using lots of fresh herbs to flavor your food. The diet recommends choosing high quality foods and shopping at local farmer’s markets, saying that the more fruit and vegetables you can add to your diet, the thinner you will be.

Water is encouraged and the author recommends carrying a bottle of water with you at all times. You are also allowed to drink herbal teas and eat soups. Alcohol is also allowed in moderation.

According to the author, French women eat lots of fish, vegetables and yogurt. She also recommends keeping healthy, nutrient-rich snacks like pumpkin seeds and soy nuts with you so you have a healthy option if you are hungry while you are eating out.

What You Shouldn't Eat
This diet does not include processed or pre-packaged foods. And the author says to avoid foods that come in large quantities and foods with silly names. Again, the emphasis is on fresh foods. This diet discourages high-fat, high sugar foods and fried foods are a real no-no. While pastries and other desserts are allowed, the author recommends taking just a few bites and leaving the rest.