How to Eat Healthy at a French Restaurant

French food is often considered rich, and therefore fattening, but that’s not necessarily so. If you spend any amount of time in France, you’ll notice the moderate portion sizes and the prominence of vegetables, lean meat, and fresh bread and cheeses, and you’ll certainly get used to the slow pace. When dining out at a French restaurant in America, the same principles apply. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask smaller (deck of cards) portions of meats or seafood with the sauce on the side, and order two vegetables instead of creamy potatoes or fries.

2. Order Crudites (raw cut vegetables) as an appetizer.

3. Choose clear soups, including fish soup (Soupe de Poissons) over cream-based soups.

4. Fish dishes in a light sauce and mussels both make for healthier, protein-packed entrées and a Salade Nicoise can serve as a nice light lunch.

Tips & Warnings

• Pairing French food with wine is certainly acceptable; however, stick to one, five-ounce glass for women and two for men.
• Steer clear of mousses, pate, veal and other meats in cream sauce, Hollandaise sauce (made with eggs and butter), and Sauce Bearnaise (ditto).