The more I travel around the world the greater my appreciation is for America and our marvelous culture. The United States truly is an amazing place to live! However, it is no surprise that the American culture and health don’t necessarily go hand and hand. Being a dietitian, I find lifestyle and eating behaviors of other cultures extremely fascinating and think we can learn a lot by examining how “healthier” societies live.
An article in the recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetics Association did just that. The article, Lifestyle in France and the United States: An American Perspective, points out the valuable lessons we can learn from one another in an effort to improve our overall health.
The French have one of the lowest mortality rates from coronary heart disease in the world and only 17% of the adult population is considered obese. Where the United States ranks higher in mortality rates for coronary heart disease and about 34% of the adult population is considered obese. This might sound crazy since French food is synonymous with rich creamy sauces, cheeses, fresh baked breads, and wines. A far cry from what is thought to be “healthy” food. However, this article points out that what we eat, along with our attitudes and beliefs about food, play a big role in how healthy we are. Based on the article, here are some lessons we can learn from France for a healthier lifestyle:
1. Take Time to Enjoy Your Food
Americans spend around 5% of our day eating while the French spend around 11 % of their day eating. The French eat all types of food, slowly, while engaging in conversations, and usually with a bottle of wine. Eating slowly over a longer period of time gives the body a chance to process food and let us know when we are getting full. It takes around 20 minutes for our stomach to tell our brain that we have had enough. So the slower you eat, the less likely you are to overeat. Enjoyment and moderation also go hand and hand. The French eat whatever they like but they do it in a manner were they actually take the time to taste the food and do it moderately.
2. Buy Fresh Food
The daily ritual in France is to get fresh food daily. Refrigerators in France are small and kitchens supply very little storage space. But there are markets everywhere with no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables. The French culture is interested in the whole process of eating – from planning, shopping, preparing, and eating together. You don’t necessarily need to go to the grocery store daily to live a healthier lifestyle but try swinging by your local farmer’s market or stopping in the grocery store just to grab fresh produce a couple times a week.
3. Eat more Fruits & Veggies
I know everyone knows to eat more fruits and vegetables but there are still very few who actually do. Even with the rich and creaming French cuisine, approximately 44% of the French consume 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day. Only 24% of Americans consume at least 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day. Summer is the perfect time of year to up your intake of fresh produce, since they are so widely available. Snack on fresh fruit or veggies, make smoothies or fresh juices, create a guilt-free fruit dessert, or load vegetables into any meal.
4. Move More
I think we were given limbs to move around and aren’t meant to live such sedentary lifestyles. Approximately 65% of French walk briskly 7 days per week; only 50% of Americans walk briskly 5 days per week. Walk to and from work if accessible, park farther away, or take the stairs. Incorporating more activity into your life doesn’t have to take more time, just a little more effort. I promise a little extra moving around will help you live healthier, feel better, and look fantastic.
When I was in Paris last February I ate chocolate croissants every morning. I didn’t care how many calories were in them but I did make sure I took the time to eat slowly and enjoy my breakfast. I walked all day long and was able to enjoy the numerous outdoor markets. Bottom line is that we can learn from one another and add more enjoyment and health into our lives if we take the time to enjoy our food, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and move more.
Love,
Renee