Instead of indulging in inexpensive treats that aren't satisfying, enjoy one bite of an expensive chocolate. The secret to this diet is eating quality foods that will leave you satisfied after only one or two bites. The author recommends that instead of looking at it as eating a small portion, consider it a treat. For people who are used to eating large quantities of food, the diet recommends gradually cutting back portions to trick your body into feeling satisfied with less food.
As I mentioned before, the diet encourages lots of water and herbal teas. According to the author, soda is a child's drink and adults should not walk around slurping sugary sodas and coffees. While alcohol is allowed, the authors qualifies that by saying that adults to do binge in alcohol.
Exercise
The French Women Don't Get Fat diet encourages everyone to walk for exercise, adding it into your lifestyle instead of considering physical activity as something you do in the gym. The French and people throughout Europe walk everywhere. However, it is important to note that the French lifestyle is more conducive to this recommendation. Someone who lives in a small town or in the suburbs is not likely to be able to walk to the grocery store. The author recommends being active throughout the day and adding strength training to your activity if you are over 40 years old.
My Thoughts
I've spent considerable time in Europe and agree that their lifestyle and eating habits are healthier than those in the United States. Quality of food over quantity of food and a more active lifestyle are major differences that have a huge impact on overall health. I think that the recommendations in this book are good; however, they are not necessarily going to translate for all Americans. Still the over riding themes of using fresh ingredients and savoring food, eating slowly and being more active are sound.
I always say that there are two types of people, when it comes to eating. People who like food and people who like to eat. People who like food, tend to eat slowly enjoying the flavors, textures and aromas of the food on their plate. People who like to eat, tend to eat faster and aren't as aware of the flavors of their food. This diet is based on the eating habits of people who like food. If you are the kind of person who wants the most bang for your buck when it comes to dieting, you probably aren't going to benefit from this diet. You would be better off with a program that focuses on eating larger quantities of low-calorie, low-fat foods. However, if you find yourself frustrated by diets that focus on tasteless, mass produced foods than this diet will probably work for you.
*Grade: A. This diet does not eliminate any food groups and encourages eating in moderation and engaging in regular physical activity. It encourages foods that are low in fat and added sugars and focuses on fresh fruit and vegetables, grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy.
* Popular Diet Rating System
A: This diet meets accepted standards for a healthy well-balanced diet. It recommends food from all food groups with an emphasis on healthy choices within each food group.
B: This diet meets most accepted standards for a healthy well-balanced diet. It emphasizes healthy foods but does not include food from all food groups.
C: This diet only meets some accepted standards for a healthy well-balanced diet. It does not differentiate between food choices in each food group and therefore does not emphasize healthy foods.
D: This diet does only meets one or two accepted standards for a healthy well-balanced diet.
F: This diet does not meet any accepted standards for a healthy well-balanced diet. It does not differentiate between healthy foods and unhealthy foods and/or does not meet caloric needs.
Read all of our reviews of popular diets.
