French Women's Diet

Posted on Nov 30th 2009 1:39PM by Amy Paturel

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss, All Diets

Our Reviewer Says ...

"Instead of scarfing down diet shakes and squeezing in hour-long sessions at the gym, dieters enjoy multi-course meals of champagne, full fat cheese, filet mignon and crème brulee (in French-sized portions, of course!) followed by a long stroll through the city."

Read the French Women's Diet Review

At a Glance

"French Women Don't Get Fat" is more food philosophy than step-by-step diet plan. The book encourages readers to adopt a French attitude toward food -- one that emphasizes quality over quantity, frequent shopping for seasonal produce and savoring meals rather than eating on the run. Instead of scarfing down diet shakes and squeezing in hour-long sessions at the gym, dieters enjoy multi-course meals of champagne, full fat cheese, fillet mignon and crème brulee (in French-sized portions, of course!) followed by a long stroll through the city. During the three-week "wake-up call," readers track everything they eat in a food journal. Once problem areas are identified (black and white doesn't lie), dieters spend one to three months adjusting their eating habits by say, cutting back on portion sizes or giving up soda. The rest is just maintenance.

Checklist

Cost: Not much, barring the cost of the book. The natural yogurt maker and fresh fruits and vegetables from local specialty markets may drive up your bottom line at checkout, depending on your current grocery list.
Meals Provided: No.
Diet Duration: About three months, give or take a week. Once you drop the weight, it's a matter of staying in the "French Zen."
Fitness Requirements: Yes, but mostly related to walking and breathing. Specific guidelines are skimpy.
Time Commitment: Minimal, but dieters do have access to online support for a fee, including newsletters, chat rooms, recipes and other "diet" tools.
Eating Out: On occasion, yes, but the book emphasizes preparing meals at home. If you must dine out, select restaurants that offer several flavorful small courses and savor them.
Alcohol: Of course – especially wine with dinner! But skip the hard alcohol and high-calorie mixers.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Somewhat. Fruits and vegetables are held in high esteem, particularly fresh, seasonal produce, but don't expect specific advice for meeting protein needs.
Strict/Flexible Eating Plan: Flexible.