US-based fitness coach Dan Go has shared nine reasons why French people maintain a healthy weight despite enjoying foods such as bread, cheese, wine, and pastries.
Posting on Instagram on September 5, Go highlighted that only 9.4 per cent of the French population is obese, compared with 30.6 per cent in the United States.
Go emphasised that cultural portion sizes in France are significantly smaller.
Coffee cups are tiny, sandwiches are modest, and meals are not supersized, which naturally reduces calorie intake without inducing deprivation.
Additionally, the French follow a structured meal routine, consuming three proper meals daily while rarely snacking, which helps stabilise appetite and prevent constant grazing.
Savouring Food & Prioritising Quality
French people take time to enjoy meals, treating food as a social event rather than a quick task. This slow eating allows the brain to register fullness, preventing overeating.
Go also noted that the French prioritise quality over quantity. Fresh, flavourful ingredients from local markets reduce cravings and encourage moderation.
Unlike many restrictive diets, common French foods like bread, butter, and pastries are enjoyed in small amounts without guilt.
Minimising liquid calories is another factor, with sugary drinks being uncommon and wine consumed mostly with meals.
French cities encourage walking, shopping at local markets, and using public transport, integrating low-level physical activity into daily life.
Cultural norms further discourage overeating, while government initiatives regulate school meals and restrict junk food advertising to promote healthier habits.
Go contrasts French habits with American lifestyles, noting that Americans often eat in a rush, consume food on the go, and overeat.
“The French paradox isn’t about what they eat. It’s about how they live,” he wrote.
He emphasised that meals are intentional events in France, where conversations, enjoyment, and moderation replace calorie counting and restrictive dieting.
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By adopting some of these habits, slower eating, portion control, daily movement, and mindful enjoyment of food, Go suggests individuals can improve their relationship with food and reduce the risk of obesity.
Also Read: National Nutrition Week 2025: Expert Shares Tips To Enjoy Festive Food Without Compromising Health
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