Health Lessons From International Cuisines - France

 

The French Paradox refers to the observation that French people have a notoriously low incidence of coronary heart disease despite a diet that is relatively high in saturated fats.

 

If you've travelled to France, you may have easily caught on to the nation's food habits; a croissant with butter or jam and a tea or coffee for breakfast. Lunch is the main meal of the day and typically consists of four courses: appetizers (raw vegetables, cold cuts or pâté), the main dish (usually red meat or poultry, a starch and vegetable), a cheese course and a dessert (usually fruit). Dinner follows a similar pattern to lunch but on a smaller scale.

 

 

In France, children learn from a young age to cultivate a healthy attitude towards food. Moderation (versus American abundance), a focus on quality (versus quantity) and the joys of eating at the moment are long-running French traditions that support health and wellbeing. Social eating is slow and moderate with minimal snacking.

 

American food culture has evolved to focus on the health effects of eating, whereas the French place greater emphasis on the experience of eating. By allocating more time to eat, they eat less due to small portion sizes. Mealtimes are highly regarded and eating is viewed as an opportunity to socialize with family and friends.

 

According to a study on the meaning of food in our lives, Americans associate food with health and least with pleasure, which is the opposite of the French. A greater number of French associated the words 'heavy cream' with 'whipped' as opposed to 'unhealthy', compared to Americans in the study. Research revealed that one-third of Americans consider themselves healthy eaters, while three-quarters of French people consider their diets as 'healthy.'

 

Research has demonstrated that France has lower rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease compared to the United States. This is despite the fact that the French savour the sensory experience of eating a dense slice of chocolate cake, while Americans will settle with less pleasurable and healthier alternatives.

 

As important as it is to be mindful of a food's potential health benefits or risks, the French support the idea of eating the wrong food with the right attitude than the right food with the wrong attitude.

 

 

Although the number of supermarkets in France is on the rise, specialty stores or farmers' markets remain the go-to source for fresh, quality food. A typical French shopper may visit up to five different stores while shopping for groceries, which may include a bakery, butcher, produce stand and creamery.

 

A survey revealed that 75 percent of French people would prefer a week's stay at a modest hotel with gourmet food, over a week's stay at a luxury hotel with average food. In contrast, only 10 percent of Americans would prioritize gourmet food.

 

Careful consideration is invested into the creation of school lunch menus in France.

 

A study titled A Tour of a School Lunch lists the contents of typical preschool lunch in Versailles:

 

• Starter: radish and corn salad with vinaigrette dressing and black olives

• Main: Roast guinea fowl (commonly eaten in France instead of chicken); sautéed vegetables and wheat berries

• Cheese: saint Paulin (a semisoft, buttery cheese)

• Dessert: Vanilla flan and “Cat’s tongue” cookies

A typical menu for a school in France’s poorest town:

• Starter: Grated carrots or asparagus salad

• Main: Beef tongue or ground beef, pasta, and green vegetables

• Dairy: Cheese or yogurt

• Dessert: Fruit salad with honey syrup

 

 

In the United States, 'rich' food refers to high-calorie ingredients, such as butter, cream, oils and sugar, which often have negative connotations when it comes to healthy eating. In France, cheese is almost always part of a meal and the French aren't shy on cooking with butter. The French appreciate organ meats, which are widely consumed in pâtés, sausages, or as entrées.

 

The most important element we can draw from French food culture is to pursue a healthy attitude towards food. Don't wallow in guilt if you choose to eat a slice of homemade chocolate cake at your mom's birthday dinner - enjoy it. Establishing family dinner rituals help foster a sense of connectedness. As one of the oldest and fundamental sources of human pleasure, everyone can benefit from reviving and cultivating pleasure from food.

 

 

As an occasional treat, there's nothing wrong with a croissant but be mindful that it's a buttery pastry loaded with carbs and sugar and should not be a preferable breakfast option. Eggs, cereal and yogurt are more nutritious options.

Zebra Organics offers a variety of healthy and organic options to support your healthy lifestyle. Visit our online store to fill your pantry with some delicious and nutritional choices.