The French Diet Plan

Setting the Foundation

The most important part of succeeding at my French diet experiment will not be whether or not I root out every last bit of high fructose corn syrup from my pantry, or whether I eat on proper plates at a nicely set table (as opposed to eating from a Chinese food to-go carton). Instead, success will depend on how completely I believe and adopt the French mentality as it pertains to bodily well-being.

It's no coincidence that the French brand L’Oréal Paris' tag line is, "Because you're worth it." That sentiment accurately reflects how the French feel about themselves, and that mentality translates into everything they do.  These are not a people that suffer from low self-esteem! Rather, they love themselves and they think they do, in fact, deserve the best.

This attitude naturally leads to the basic principles that form the foundation for their eating (and exercising) philosophy.

• The French believe in balance & moderation
• The French are trained from an early age to listen to and & respect their bodies, and
• The French value quality over quantity

Of course, the big question is, "How do I incorporating the French Philosophy into my American life?"

Basics of "Le Plan"

These are the key parts of the French "Diet" that I'll be trying out as part of my little experiment. 

• Eat real, natural, preferably organic, foods. 
• Say goodbye to processed foods and their artificial or chemical ingredients
• Eat at regular mealtimes ONLY.  No snacking!
• Exception: as I retrain my "eating clock", allow myself to be like a French child and have the occasional goûter (a light snack that's eaten around 4-5 pm)
• Enjoy your food and your mealtime experience
• Eat slowly and savor your food.
• Make the dining experience pleasurable by setting the stage accordingly (eat at the table, use your good china, decorate with flowers, or light some candles!)
• Practice restraint in portions
• Serve yourself a bit less up-front. You can have more later if you want, but as you learn to listen to your body, you may be surprised to see that you do well with less if your food is satisfying
• Incorporate exercise naturally
• For me, that will mean going on occasional walks or bike rides, and fighting the urge to find the closest parking space everywhere I go!
• Treat yourself
• Abolish all thoughts of "bad" foods (processed foods excepted) and don't be afraid to indulge every once in a while
• Incorporate non-food treats, as well. Get a manicure. Buy a new lipstick. Go to a movie.

As you can see, "Le Plan" is relatively simple and straight-forward. The challenge will be incorporating into my daily life!