How to Keep Slim by Following a French Woman's Diet

Maintain your health through exercise.

The French woman's diet is more lifestyle and philosophy than a diet consisting merely of do and do not foods, according to Mireille Guiliano, author of the best-selling book "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure." It is a lifestyle of enjoying oneself, finding pleasure in the simplest of things, learning to live in the moment for that "joie de vivre" and feasting on foods that taste good.

Instructions

1. Stop fad dieting. A fad by definition is something that goes away. French women know that the entire life needs to be built around eating well and taking care of your health and well-being.

2. Throw out your processed foods. Go through your cupboards and pantry and get rid of anything that is filler food. This includes chips, sodas, candies and white breads.

3. Incorporate more fresh vegetables and fruits into your daily food intake. French women eat seasonally. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are at their peak of flavor.

4. Take your time eating meals. Part of the French woman philosophy is to enjoy yourself. Savor the flavors, enjoy conversation with a companion and soak in the act of eating. Taking your time aids digestion as well as food intake. The faster you eat, the less time your brain has time to process that you are full. When you take your time, you feel fuller after consuming less.

5. Moderate your portion sizes. This allows you to have what you like and not feel guilty, so enjoy a piece of chocolate.

6. Eat your larger meal in the middle of the day. Doing this as much as possible will help your metabolism and eliminate that heavy feeling of eating a large meal late in the evening.

7. Snack on vegetables and fruits. Some French women open a pre-washed bag of spring greens, sprinkle on some olive oil, lemon juice, a bit of garlic and salt and pepper if desired, and pop that open for a snack instead of a bag of chips. It is surprisingly tasty and refreshing.

8. Add more exercise to your daily routine. Exercise doesn't equate to a gym membership or 100 bicycle crunches. Walk when running errands as much as possible. Park further away from the store. Get a bicycle with a rack on the front or back to hold bags to make shopping more feasible. Taking an evening walk after dinner is a way to unwind and relax after a long day. The point is to get moving.

9. Learn to relax. Stress is a major factor in weight gain for women, as well as heart conditions and other health issues. Take time for yourself to rest, read a book, take up a hobby or do whatever pleases you.

Tips & Warnings

• Regulate your sleeping patterns. Sleeping and waking at a regular time will aid in stress and overall body maintenance.

References

• "French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure"; Mireille Guiliano; 2005
• "All You Need to Be Impossibly French": Helen Frith Powell; 2006