Weight Management French non-deprivation diet

Hello and welcome, my nickname is Mademoiselle Slimalicious. I'm a 28 year old, blog writer living in Sydney.

While, I'm passionate about nutrition and healthy eating, I also LOVE food (especially the ones you shouldn’t have too often)! I've been fortunate to grow up in France and be part of the "big" secret that French women share: the non-deprivation diet! This allows me to eat whatever I want and manage my weight at the same time.

Have you heard of the French paradox before? What do you think explain the low obesity rate in France?

Hi Mademoiselle,
Love your name ! I am a huge fan of French style and diet books. I like to think that I have incorporated some of the techniques I have learnt - but that isn't being reflected in my weight (lifestyle, yes), so I think that any gentle prodding in the right direction would be appreciated. I recently finished reading 'Sweet Poison' about sugar addiction and I think the author has very valid points about eating full fat, but not sweet foods (somewhat like the French Paradox ?). What are your favourite books/sites ?

Hi Mademoiselle,
Love your name ! I am a huge fan of French style and diet books. I like to think that I have incorporated some of the techniques I have learnt - but that isn't being reflected in my weight (lifestyle, yes), so I think that any gentle prodding in the right direction would be appreciated. I recently finished reading 'Sweet Poison' about sugar addiction and I think the author has very valid points about eating full fat, but not sweet foods (somewhat like the French Paradox ?). What are your favourite books/sites ?

Bonjour Madamoiselle and Nicolle! Before I was a Blackmores naturopath, I spent some time in France when I finished uni studies in French Literature , language and culture, staying with 2 different families. No one seemed to snack between meals I think because the main meals were so good you wouldn't dream of spoiling them. Although breakfast was a mere piece of dry bread with coffee, lunch and dinner were 3 courses. They were based around natural and locally grown produce (organic usually) and always started with a soup or salad (which tends to make you at less at the main meal). The main meal had a neat portion which (usually features meat and vegetables) and finished with a choice of unpasteurised cheeses, fresh fruits and yoghurt. Croissants in the home were quite rare. Nicolle, I found David Gillespie’s books on sugar addiction really interesting and think that French culture is immune from that problem because moderation and balance are such important values in French culture. I would also add chocolates, sweets and pastries in France are artisanal and good quality (and probably full fat) so the cost prohibits overindulgence (in contrast to our 2 for 1 commercial chocolate offers at every shop counter). I have heard cynics say that smoking is what keeps the French women think but it is their whole approach to food that makes it hard to get fat. Just my 2 cents worth…

Sorry I meant to say thin not think, btw!