I am sure you have all heard that French women don’t get fat. Things are changing a bit over there, but it's true!
After 6 years of being married to a Frenchman and losing 20+ pounds myself simply by adapting to the French lifestyle, I have learned the tricks to becoming fit like the French, and I am going to share some tips with you.
You don’t need to waste hours a day in a gym to lose weight and trim that belly.
Did you know that when it comes to being fit, 80% is what you eat, and 20% is what you do?
That sounds much more enjoyable than the other way around, doesn’t it? That means that most of your fitness comes from what you eat and less from what you sweat. Don’t get me wrong, I love to work out. It makes me feel so good afterward. However, for me, life is much more enjoyable if I can control my weight and keep a tight figure without spending my life on a treadmill. Not to mention, having some treats along the way.
Here are some tips on getting fit like the French:
1. A little exercise is better than no exercise.
That’s right! Think about it: going for a mild walk is better than procrastinating on that difficult, sweaty run you keep telling yourself you are going to do. You will be amazed that just a simple walk around your neighborhood will make a difference in how you look. It’s also the little things that count. Do you think the French fight over the parking spot closest to La Boulangerie? No! They walk their skinny butts from the farthest parking spot available.
2. Only eat when you’re hungry.
This sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? However, as Americans, we are programmed to “finish our food,” just like Momma always said. If you’re halfway through dinner and you feel satisfied, save the rest for tomorrow. Although I must say, doggie bags are non-existent in France, but that’s because portions are served smaller.
3. Drink lots of water.
This is one of the most important things you can do to lose weight. The first thing you should do when you wake up is drink a big glass of water. Keep it on your nightstand so you don’t forget. Don’t get thirst confused with hunger. Plus, all that water is going to make your belly bloat disappear. A bloated belly is a belly in need of more water.
4. Give yourself a treat.
No one has ever lost weight by cutting out all the things that they loved and successfully kept it off. By avoiding the things you love, you’ll not only be miserable, but you’ll end up caving in and eating more calories than you would have if you had only eaten that small square of dark chocolate. The French cherish dessert, but they don’t make it a meal.
5. Portion control.
Mmmmm… French fries dipped in mayonnaise. That’s one of my husband and I’s favorite comfort foods. However, this kind of goes along with tips #2 and #4. Have the things you love, but in moderation. Have a treat, but pay attention to portion size. You’ll find that just a few bites of something you have been craving will be enough to satisfy you.
6. Suck it in.
That’s right. The simple little task of sucking your tummy in throughout the day helps tone your midsection. And, you can do it anywhere. In the elevator, at your desk, on a train, in a plane… It’s free, it’s easy, it’s discrete, and it works.
Luckily, my husband also happens to be an amazing (and gorgeous!) chef and weight loss guru. Keep your eyes peeled for our next program together, an online healthy cooking class called “The Cooking Core."
To Your Great Health.
Article contributed by;
Carissa Alinat, PhDc, MSN, ARNP-BC
Gui Alinat, CEC
Origin Weight Loss LLC
Authors of The French Paleo Burn
support@originweightloss.com
After 6 years of being married to a Frenchman and losing 20+ pounds myself simply by adapting to the French lifestyle, I have learned the tricks to becoming fit like the French, and I am going to share some tips with you.
You don’t need to waste hours a day in a gym to lose weight and trim that belly.
Did you know that when it comes to being fit, 80% is what you eat, and 20% is what you do?
That sounds much more enjoyable than the other way around, doesn’t it? That means that most of your fitness comes from what you eat and less from what you sweat. Don’t get me wrong, I love to work out. It makes me feel so good afterward. However, for me, life is much more enjoyable if I can control my weight and keep a tight figure without spending my life on a treadmill. Not to mention, having some treats along the way.
Here are some tips on getting fit like the French:
1. A little exercise is better than no exercise.
That’s right! Think about it: going for a mild walk is better than procrastinating on that difficult, sweaty run you keep telling yourself you are going to do. You will be amazed that just a simple walk around your neighborhood will make a difference in how you look. It’s also the little things that count. Do you think the French fight over the parking spot closest to La Boulangerie? No! They walk their skinny butts from the farthest parking spot available.
2. Only eat when you’re hungry.
This sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? However, as Americans, we are programmed to “finish our food,” just like Momma always said. If you’re halfway through dinner and you feel satisfied, save the rest for tomorrow. Although I must say, doggie bags are non-existent in France, but that’s because portions are served smaller.
3. Drink lots of water.
This is one of the most important things you can do to lose weight. The first thing you should do when you wake up is drink a big glass of water. Keep it on your nightstand so you don’t forget. Don’t get thirst confused with hunger. Plus, all that water is going to make your belly bloat disappear. A bloated belly is a belly in need of more water.
4. Give yourself a treat.
No one has ever lost weight by cutting out all the things that they loved and successfully kept it off. By avoiding the things you love, you’ll not only be miserable, but you’ll end up caving in and eating more calories than you would have if you had only eaten that small square of dark chocolate. The French cherish dessert, but they don’t make it a meal.
5. Portion control.
Mmmmm… French fries dipped in mayonnaise. That’s one of my husband and I’s favorite comfort foods. However, this kind of goes along with tips #2 and #4. Have the things you love, but in moderation. Have a treat, but pay attention to portion size. You’ll find that just a few bites of something you have been craving will be enough to satisfy you.
6. Suck it in.
That’s right. The simple little task of sucking your tummy in throughout the day helps tone your midsection. And, you can do it anywhere. In the elevator, at your desk, on a train, in a plane… It’s free, it’s easy, it’s discrete, and it works.
Luckily, my husband also happens to be an amazing (and gorgeous!) chef and weight loss guru. Keep your eyes peeled for our next program together, an online healthy cooking class called “The Cooking Core."
To Your Great Health.
Article contributed by;
Carissa Alinat, PhDc, MSN, ARNP-BC
Gui Alinat, CEC
Origin Weight Loss LLC
Authors of The French Paleo Burn
support@originweightloss.com
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