Is the French Diet the Real Lean Cuisine?

          There has been much speculation about why the people of France seem to stay slim and have a lower incidence of heart disease, all the while living in a country that is known as the gastronomic capital of the world.  We’re all familiar with the fabulous cuisine of France…the fat and calorie laden dishes topped with rich sauces.  If you’ve ever been to Lyon, you know what I’m talking about!  Some thoughtful scientific articles have suggested that the wine that is introduced into their diet at an early age may be cardio-protective.  A number of studies have shown that moderate alcohol intake along with a healthy diet may raise HDL cholesterol or the ‘good’ cholesterol by as much as 20%.  But what about the paucity of paunches in France?

Healthy Habits of the French

          Suzanne Havala Hobbs, a registered dietitian and professor at the University of North Carolina, made some interesting observations during her recent trip to France and reported them in an article appearing in the News Observer.  Sizing up the people she met along the way confirmed her impression that there are fewer overweight folks in France.  In addition to seeing little consumption of soft drinks, she found that limiting portion size seemed to play a big role.  In France, the people are more likely to walk to and from the market, getting exercise along the way, and buying smaller items and less food since they have to carry it.  The stores, in turn, stock food in smaller sizes to accommodate this practice.  Hobbs noted that at home, the French people have small refrigerators and therefore keep less food on hand.  This would seem to put an automatic control on ‘grazing’.  Definitely some food for thought.  The bottom line…healthy eating habits, exercise and perhaps a small amount of alcohol if you are so inclined may help keep you slim and healthy.

Check out Hobbs’ complete article, ‘How French People Stay So Slim’.