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Why the French aren't fat
Sometimes I think we have an obsession about pondering over the reasons that France offers such rich, indulgent food but that its population remains incredibly trim. How do they do it? I can of course come up with a few of my own opinions on the subject, but for the time being I will leave it to the most recent study done by Cornell University Food and Brand Lab.
The study found that despite all those baguettes, brie and accompanying wine, the French stay svelte because they use internal cues -- such as feeling full -- to know when to stop eating. Americans however use external cues -- such as when their plate is clean or the TV show that they are watching is over.
Basically we Americans are mindless eaters. So if you want to truly enjoy French cuisine, without the pounds, maybe it's time to start listening to what your body tells you.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, France, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Anna Keppa Feb 24th 2008 4:48PM
Despite 'nanny state" efforts to curb the practice France has a notoriously large number of cigarette smokers; half of those 15 to 25 smoke. Smoking has always been a part of French social life in pubs and restaurants, and the French aren't about to give it up wihout a fight.
Tobacco use suppresses the appetite. Anyone seeking to understand why the French aren't fat needs to factor in its widespreas use. It may be that a bad habit is more reponsibile for those slim physiques than any exertion of willpower.
dave Feb 24th 2008 4:55PM
the french paradox is due to the liberal consumpsion of red wine. red wine contains resveratrol which effects genes that mimic the many benifits of the starvation diet.
Anonymous Feb 24th 2008 8:08PM
Was in Paris last June. The French are not fat because they smoke like you would not believe. Must ruin their taste buds for all those delicious pastries. I lost four pounds while in Europe.
Kristi Feb 24th 2008 8:57PM
These are some of the most uninformed, uneducated (I hesitate to say stupid) comments that I have ever heard. First of all, if you listen to your body cues when you eat (instead of eating mindlessly); unless you have some serious medical condition, you will not be overweight because your own body won't let you be. And, second of all, smoking doesn't suppress your appetite. Have you not ever seen a fat smoker? The French are not the only people in the world who do not have the obesity rates that the United States does and you cannot possibly think that every one else is thinner and healthier because they smoke.
Strong Feb 24th 2008 9:00PM
RE "FRENCH ARE NOT FAT". I HOPE YOU ARE REFERRING TO THEIR BODIES, LIKE IN "BODY FAT."
THE REASON I NEED THIS DEFINITION IS THAT MY TAKE ON THE FRENCH IS THAT THEY ARE BONA-FIDE "FATHEADS." THEY ARE, IN FACT, THE "TEXANS" OF EUROPE, AS IN: "DID YOU HEAR THE ONE ABOUT THE RICH TEXAN WHO BOUGHT A LITTLE BOY FOR HIS DOG?"
AND AS FAR AS THE FRENCH BEING LEAN OF BODY, YOU GET THAT FROM "RUNNING", AS IN:
RUNNING FROM THE BOCHE IN WWl; RUNING FROM THE NAZIS IN WWll; RUNNING FROM THE VIET CONG; RUNNING FROM THE ALGERIANS; RUNNING FROM THE MUSLIMS WITHIN THEIR MIDST; RUNNING TO EMBRACE SADDAM, IRAN, AND ANYTHING ANTI-ISRAEL.
Ron Nov 14th 2008 12:12PM
I've heard some pretty moronic things in my time but this guy is out on his own ! Does he really equate being occupied by a ruthless & brutal agressor in two world wars as "running away from the enemy"? Nor do I remember that they ran away from the Viet Cong any faster than the US did some years later. You need to get out more Strong.
Father Richard Byrne S.J. Feb 25th 2008 9:08AM
Do these slurs also apply to all "french speaking" countries?