Ditch diets, stay active and self-care: Enjoy life the French way

It has, for the past couple of decades, been a source of great irritation to me that my female French cousins have managed to remain slim. 

In fact, one of them, who was my bridesmaid at my first wedding in 1978, can still comfortably fit into the dress she wore that day. 

How can this possibly be, when I feel I’ve expanded over the years at the same rate as Japanese knotweed?

I once read a book called Frenchwomen Don’t Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano, which turned out to be a delightful, entertaining read. 

From the evidence all around me, I do believe that what its author preaches is largely true. 

Read more: How I got past the disillusionment of everyday life in France

French attitude to food and drink

That is not to say that the French deprive themselves. Most believe in enjoying life to the full and nowhere is this truer than in the domain of food and wine. They eat everything and do not believe in denying themselves. Crucially, however, they do so in moderation. 

Nor do French people obsess about counting calories or embark on punitive diets. What a relief that must be. This usually means sticking to three meals a day, avoiding snacks, or perhaps cutting back later if they have eaten a large meal. 

As somebody who is not too well acquainted with the notion of moderation in any area of my life, this is quite challenging, but I see the benefits of it everywhere in France, with both men and women.

Yes, they eat fats and carbs, but they avoid processed food. They love cooking with fresh ingredients. Indeed, shopping in open air markets for provisions is one of the many French pleasures. Increasingly they also favour “bio” foods. 

Savour every meal

We live in an age where it increasingly feels that everything has to be instant. 

We gobble down our food, often not even sitting down to eat, but shovelling it in mindlessly while multitasking, to save time – or so we tell ourselves. 

It is actually a false economy and completely opposite to how the French do it. They savour their food. They make time for their meals. It is almost as if every meal is a mini celebration. 

This does not apply exclusively to the retired either, but to working people too. Notice how many French shops and offices close at lunchtime for several hours. 

If we learn to relish our food, then it is going to improve our mental state too – which makes us less likely to eat rubbish. Remember that our wellbeing is inextricably interlinked. 

Read more: Why queueing at French markets is often worth the wait

Age is no barrier to fitness

I know French people of all ages who keep in shape by being constantly active. This does not mean you have to climb Mont Blanc when you are 85, but it does necessitate that you move more. 

This can take any form – a stroll several times a day, a swim, some exercise in the privacy of your own home, to name just a few. 

You are less likely to encounter sweating gym-bunnies in France than in other countries. They generally prefer to keep it private, and manageable. Little and often is the watchword. 

Self-care the French way

The French are experts in this art. They see it as part of their overall fitness regime to look after themselves in every way possible. 

This can entail massages, manicure and pedicures, makeovers, and general pampering. They do not feel in any way guilty – they have been raised by mothers for whom this is second nature. 

They recognise the importance of self-care and of the mind-body connection and honour this. Taking time out to relax is vital to their overall sense of wellbeing and joie de vivre. 

Keep mentally active

It is vital that as we age we keep mentally active too. I know that if I am bored, tired, or upset, the first place I am going to seek solace is in food. And it won’t be fruit and nuts either.

Keeping occupied in a beneficial way is key in getting and staying fit. 

There are always a hundred reasons why a packet of biscuits or a box of chocolates seem alluring. Then follows the emotional come-down, and probably heaps of self-flagellation for having done it again. 

Life is full of opportunities and one thing I have noticed is how my French family keeps busy by engaging in lots of different interests and taking up new ones frequently, no matter what their age.

Tips for staying fit the French way:

• Enjoy your food, but eat a balanced diet
• Move more but make it fun or it won’t be sustainable
• Schedule time for self-care
• Mindset is everything – believe you can and you will
• Find a fitness buddy
• Take up new interests
• As always, if you suspect you need professional help, do seek it.

Do you agree with Cynthia on the French attitude to life? If so, please share your experiences with her by sending a mail to Cynthia.spillman@connexionfrance.com.