Chef Marie

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Facts And Myths About The French

How do French people eat all these rich foods and stay skinny? What are their secrets?  I heard “French Woman don’t get fat”, is this true? How many times have I heard these questions! Before I try to answer, I like to point out that there are many misconceptions and false information circulating about the French, their culture, and their diet. I also must point out that the “French diet” is really about the French Culture. French people do not follow a diet, but rather a way to live their lives with certain rituals and rules passed from generation to generation. One of these important rituals is pleasing your taste buds with tasty foods while giving the body what it needs to function well. Later on, we will explore all this in details. 

“French Woman don’t get fat”. Not true. It is a great title, but not the reality! One known fact is that people living in certain regions of France are not as healthy as in other regions. By far, the Mediterranean region is the healthiest. 

In the last three years, the French have seen a rise in weight problems especially among children, mainly due to the increase of convenience-processed foods, junk foods at schools, sodas, fast foods places, and a more sedentary lifestyle because of computer age. However, their response to this problem was quite different from the response in the United States. As soon the French government reports came out regarding the nation getting fatter, they altogether took measures. They started by removing junk food from schools. We are not just talking sodas and candies; we are talking about food in general. Healthy foods reappeared in the school cafeterias with an emphasis on vegetables and fruits. The lawmakers lay down new rules on public (television and prints) information regarding food advertising. Chefs rallied and took on themselves to create programs to educate children and parents on healthy tasty foods. Regions promoted local produces and specialties through school classrooms, fairs, outdoor markets, pamphlets, books, and various educational programs. Even parents made it a priority to watch out for healthier food, stay away from “fast food” when eating out, and promote outings for exercise. The result, the latest reports are showing that the nation is starting to see a decrease of health and weight problems, especially in children. Now, let us talk about a few misconceptions. 

First, contrary to belief, French cuisine is not full of fat. True twenty years ago, many people were using lots of butter to cook and making sauces. Today, thanks to the creativity of chefs, light sauces are on dinner tables. Sure, butter is still used, but more appropriately for specific applications, such as pastry. Generally, olive oil and canola oil have replaced butter in cooking. Many sauces are made from oil, stock, vegetables, and herbs making room for a lighter and more flavorful cuisine rather than a heavy rich cuisine. 

Second, they do not eat a lot of fatty food. Most of their meals are based on a small amount of meat/seafood/eggs, plenty of vegetables-legumes, fruits, and milk products. Sure, they still eat charcuterie (pâtés, various cooked or dry ham, saucissons, or sausages) but a lot less than in the past. They also watch out for cheese, though still enjoy a small amount once a day. They do love their pastries, which chefs have managed to get lighter without compromising taste. However, they mostly purchase them when entertaining. Most of their pastries are less sweet than in the United States. By the way, you can reduce the amount of sugar by almost 25% in many American recipes, without causing major problems. Yes, they do enjoy their chocolates. It is regularly consumed but in a very small amount. Pure dark chocolate is the most often purchased by connoisseurs. Overall, they definitively eat less fatty food today and are more aware of fats in their foods than they were years ago. Everyone knows that you are supposed to reduce how much and how often you eat rich foods and that is what they do. However, no one focuses on the subject, nor talks about it everyday, nor obsess over weight. Sure, you will often hear someone turning down bread or dessert at a restaurant, but no one will say, “Are you on a diet?” 

Third, they do not eat big breakfast. A croissant or a piece of bread with a little butter or marmalade dipped into a café au lait, coffee, tea, or chocolate milk represent what most French people have for breakfast. Hotels and cafés offer more breakfast choices due to the demand of foreigners, not of the French people. 

Fourth, they do snack and that is the truth! After school, parents often stop by the bakery to buy their kids a pastry (a pain au chocolat, a sablé “butter cookie type”, or a brioche) or an ice cream in the spring. Otherwise, the kids enjoy a couple of cookies from commercial packages, a fruit, or a piece of bread with chocolate or marmalade. Do you really believe that any of those parents will not join into this afternoon delight, at least once in awhile! Do you seriously think that all those crêpes stands, newspapers kiosks, fair style caravans that sell an array of goodies would still be in business if no one snacked! What about all those little food stores that suddenly appeared in the subway of Paris, shopping malls, or train stations. 

Then, there are the young vendors making their way through the crowded beaches; or the small kiosk, at the zoo, selling those delicious thin little waffles that you are supposed to feed the animals in the first place! One of my old favorite is the chestnuts vendors who keep you warm in the winter.  French people do snack, however, only once in awhile and mostly late in the afternoon. Sometimes, the body needs replenishment and you should not feel guilty about it. Now, if you really do not need it, then it is “une gourmandise”, a sweet treat. That should be a rare occasion and be very special. Finally, they do not skip meals nor substitute a meal with a food bar or a protein shake, which is inconceivable to a French person.

Fifth, they eat a lot. That is not true. Sure, they might have two or three courses for dinner, but each course is very small. Comparing the American restaurant serving size with theirs, or many places in the world, it is about half the American amount. The snacks and bakery items are also much smaller. Did I mention that the French servings have not really changed since I was a child growing up in France? As matter of fact, a few years back, I can recall the bakery items getting a little smaller, so the price would not go up. There is no “super size me” in France. One other major difference I noticed is the portion size when you shop. You will buy a piece of meat or fish weighing about 4 to 5 ounces versus 8 to 10 ounces in the States. Think about it a minute, that is 50% more. Maybe the consumer should require smaller portion from the food industry! 

Ok, I am going to say it, even if this is going to make people mad at me. I am seriously wondering about this. Do Americans really want to eat healthy? If so, they sure don’t show it when eating out, which they do a lot. All the fast food industry and restaurants offering huge portions are doing well. Meanwhile the restaurants offering smaller portions and healthier choices are barely surviving. Many chefs told me that they tried to offer smaller portions, but the consumer did not want it. The consumer dictates their outcomes, so guess what they do! I am asking you to think about this. What do you really want? Do you want to continue this way, knowing the consequences? On the other hand, do you want to see changes for the better? 

Sixth, they do eat white flour and white rice. Many French breads are made with white flour and other grains. Pastries, crêpes, soups, and sauces contain white flour. White rice and other types of rice are eaten once in awhile. They know that wholegrain is better for you, but they will tell you “Products made with a hundred percent wholegrain do not taste as good”. Choosing just wholegrain to the detriment of taste is too much asking. By the way, once in awhile, they do eat a sandwiches for lunch (just check the bakery around lunch), but they are not humongous nor piled with tons of meat. 

Seventh, they do not spend hours in the kitchen to make dinner. Like in the U.S., the family cell has changed over the years, and many woman work full time. On everyday basis, they no longer spend hours in the kitchen like their grandmothers or mothers did. However, they still care, as the previous generation did, about the food they put on their dinner table. They still shop for fresh ingredients and cook using easier quicker recipes. They still get the children involved in the process and still emphasize the importance of the meal rituals. 

Everyone knows that French life evolves around foods. Their life is schedule around their meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). That is part of the French Culture. Even their working habits allow a one-hour lunch. Many companies offer restaurant-tickets as part of their benefits. During the week, they eat lunch within an hour allowing time for relaxation, for catching up with friends, walking while window-shopping, and for business lunches. It is not all about work, they do slow down to enjoy food and life. People do a lot of shopping on Saturday or are involved in sports, and therefore, might have similar ritual for lunch as these working days. Sunday is different. It is a day to enjoy the company of family and friends. Lunch can last up to two hours. What people do not realize is that entertaining and everyday dinner meals are two different things. They love to entertain and when they do, their only concern is to make sure their guests have a good time and the best meal ever. In some cases, they will spend hours creating sumptuous foods, searching for the perfect wine combinations for the different courses, and setting gorgeous tables. They will prepare sophisticated old recipes their grandmothers or mothers have passed on to them. Other times, they will welcome you in their homes “A la franquette”, which really means with simple delicious foods, often paired with wonderful wines, and a colorful decorated table. A lot less formal is their working days dinner meals rituals. They will spend thirty minutes in the kitchen to prepare quick easy recipes, still enjoy a little wine, and set the most basic table for dinner. Dinner is served between seven and eight o’clock and no one worries, actually do not even think, about eating that late being a problem. 

There is one other major difference I observe between French and American culture regarding food. Americans will easily have snacks, junky food types, laid out to eat all days long while at work, watching a sport game, or at a party. Let us not forget that huge cake, often served with ice cream, centering many buffets. French do not eat all day nor entertain that way. They will have coffee at work, but no donuts or goodies. They will watch a game together, but do not eat at the same time. They will have lunch or dinner later, the same way they normally eat or entertain. This kind of snacking or eating does not exist in the French culture. Even cocktails parties are meant to promote social talks and small amount of beautiful tasty foods.  I often wonder if those snacks, junky types of foods, are one of the important factors in the weight problem in the United States. 

Eight, French people do not exercise? Well, if you refer to gym or strenuous type of exercise, no. Few people play sports and overall, people working do not have much time to exercise other than during the weekend, which is often spent outdoors and shopping. The kids walk to school and do some sports within the school system. Some might be involved in a sport league after school. One fact and certainly one major factor that contribute to their health is that, they do walk a lot. Many use the transportation systems and walk on the endless side streets to go to work, shop, or just stroll chatting along with friends or family. When I worked in Paris, I use to walk 10 minutes to get to the subway station, another 20 minutes within the subway, and another 10 minutes to get to my work. If you add the same time going back plus another 15 minutes for shopping for dinner, you are looking at 1 hour 30 minutes minimum a day. If I went out later in the evening, here we go again. I call this exercising! 

Now, I am not advocating that you should just walk to exercise. As matter of fact, I suggest that you do whatever you enjoy. However, please do it with moderation. Unless you want to become a top athlete, there is no need to push your body to extreme. Trust me, you will benefit from a nice long walk in the park. As a former top athlete, I can tell you the consequences for pushing the limits. After many years of hard training and repetitive movements, part of my back gave up on me. I ended having surgery for a couple of ruptured disks.  I was no longer able to play my favorite sports, tennis and table tennis. That did not make me happy. Even worse, I had to find other ways to exercise.  I tried many new ways, bought many exercise equipments, and kept giving them up. Why, because most of the time, I did not feel like it. It was painful, I was tired, I had other thing to do, and the list goes on. The truth of the matter was that I did not enjoy them. I eventually realized that I enjoy riding a stationary bike while watching my favorite TV show or a movie. Walking outdoors, while taking unique pictures was also fun to me. Those two forms of exercises have helped me healing and strengthening my back over the years. Today, I am able to play some recreational tennis, table tennis, and teach again. With moderation, I can enjoy what really makes me feel happy, isn’t what life is all about! 

Ninth, French people drink wines with every meal. Ok, I admit they drink a lot of wines, but saying that they do at every meal is simply an exaggeration. By example, they don’t for breakfast! Seriously, often they will have mineral water and/or a glass or two of wine with their meals.  When entertaining, they will offer you an aperitif such as Champagne or Kir Royal (Champagne with a little Cassis “blackcurrant”), a few appetizers (small amount) or nuts before enjoying a meal. By the way, Champagne is often paired with desserts. In the last few years, they have reduced their consumption of alcoholic drinks. However, wines are still a big seller. The younger generation is particularly embracing bolder and fruitier wines coming from the New World. Between their cheaper prices and their remarkable quality, the French wine industry has to re-think their strategies in order to stay competitive. 

Tenth, when French people travel; they do maintain their way of living, when it comes to food. They want to enjoy food and experience new cuisine the same way they often do at home. I asked many French people what they looked for while traveling. The consensus was that they want a restaurant that offers a variety of food that represents the specialties of the region. They want to enjoy the local flavors and taste the chefs’ abilities to enhance those local ingredients. They do not want a chain type restaurant that only serves you the same boring type of food no matter what town you are visiting. Traveling is about experiencing different cuisines even the worst. 

Now that we explored some of the most common facts and myths about the French, it is time to discuss how French people really stay trimmed over the years. 

First, do not underestimate the simple facts that they eat smaller portions, a wide variety of foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, and they walk miles. 

Second, as my husband said to me one day “the French work to enjoy life and great food, Americans live to work and make money”. That is so true and such a huge difference. I want you to take a minute and think about this. What would you prefer? 

Third, they have discipline and will power. Everyone learns and practices these rules since a very young age. Not just regarding food but, also in many other aspects in their lives. They know that certain things are not good for them. They will give in here and there, but certainly not every day. Trust me they are not perfect! After they do, they know they have to make up for it right away. They know it is a question of balance. They are consciously doing it and don’t think much about it. They also accept the sacrifices that such discipline and will power require. However, they will tell you that it is not quite a sacrifice but rather a way of living. I like to compare this way of living to riding a bicycle. If you don’t ride it, you get out of shape. If you ride it on regular basis, you are in good shape. Skipping a day here and there, to let your aching muscle relax, will not affect you much. In fact, it will be beneficial allowing the body to repair. When you live this way, there is also no guilt or very little guilt. Because you know, it is to your body best interest to do so. What I am trying to say here is, if you are dying for that juicy hamburger, fries, and a coke, do it but on rare occasions. Make it your day off, not your every day meal. 

Fourth, “The Saint-Tropez Diet” book details many important scientific facts about healthy eating habits that many people in France have followed for years. You will have to read the book to find out more! 

Finally, there is one major overlooked factor, which I believe makes a huge difference. For years, I researched, traveled, interviewed, and observed the French and the American Diet.  I learned valuable lessons while working in school cafeterias, the food and culinary industry, with scientists, doctors, and registered dietitians. However, it is the answer to one particular question I asked many people, that changed everything. The question was “How do you see food in your life?”  

What stroke me was what most French people said: “Obviously, food is essential for our well-being. It is important to our culture, since we spend a significant time each day socializing around food. We show passion for food the same way we do for our loved ones, friends, work, or sports (soccer was named many times!). 

“Passion for food” was the answer I was seeking for so long. That passion runs through my veins as any French person’s veins. At an early age, we learned to respect food and not to abuse it. We learn to see food as another type of passion in life and that we should not neglect it for three reasons: the joy it can bring, the important role in our social environment, and its importance in our health. 

I have shared for years those secrets with many of my friends and clients. Seeing the amazing improvement in their life, they urged me to write more on such subject. So if you want to learn those secrets and change your life for the best, I encourage you to check my programs...

ET VIVE LA VIE!