As I skimmed though some of the highlighted articles on a popular search engine this morning, I came across a headline regarding skinny French women. I know there is a line of books on the subject, however, this article focused mainly on the Author’s observation of American women ‘torturing’ themselves in the gym; needlessly. It goes on to discuss how French women are capable of maintaining weight without ever donning spandex and trying feverishly to undo the eating binges from the previous day. Instead, French women place significant importance on incorporating more walking and general movement throughout the day.
Here is where I get a little twisted – The article goes on to mention the usual nonsense about taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a little further from the mall, etc. While I would never advise against it, I’m fearful that these small tricks are sending false hope to our American sisters. What is failed to be hightlighted in this article is that the French eat much differently than we do. Mainly, but certainly not exclusively, they eat much smaller portions than we do. America is the land of super size, we over eat at virtually every meal. Heck, even our snacks are outrageously large. It’s part of culture, plain and simple. We are a culture of affluence and when the food source is so abundant and our jobs force us to be so sedentary, it really does take significant effort to beat obesity.
So how do we combat this: Well, in part, follow the French. Eat much smaller portions. But also, it takes a complete overhaul on your diet as well as a regimented exercise plan. There is no need for expensive gym memberships or fancy equipment, it’s very easy to do a complete and effective workout right in your own home.
With a little bit of education on exercise and diet and absolute consistency, you too can be a skinny French woman (if that’s really what you’re aspiring to be).