HOW FRENCH WOMEN DON'T GET FAT: all the French women weight loss secrets! | Edukale

[@richardfi]

Frenchman here. I remember my mother used to say ”YOU WILL EAT WHAT IS ON THE TABLE, PERIOD”. She cooked every day, only fresh products, lots of vegetables, fruits, cakes,… Today I am 66 years old and I have the same weight as when I was 25 and I have fully embraced the eating habits I have been educated as child. Thanks mom.

[@briannesanchez4456]

Honey you are looking at the effect (being thinner and healthier) rather than looking at the cause. Taking national healthcare, home prices, work expectations and parental leave in mind will give you a better reflection on why American women are more overweight than French women.

[@sonhahuynhthi1908]

Parents have such an affect on their children's eating habit. I see that if a mother eats healthily then her kids will eat properly and can always control their weight and vice versa.

[@PeepersT]

In the US it is considered "cruel" and "abusive" to do something like this. Parents give in to their children even if it harms them. Very sad.

[@leviackerman5870]

Same here as an English girl. We never snack tbh, and if we were hungry we were never allowed cake, always had to be yoghurt, fruit or raw veg. And for breakfast we'd never have the stuff Americans eat. Always usually eat porridge with maybe some jam or a little bit of sugar and some yoghurt. And it'd be a treat to have an English breakfast which I swear everyone thinks we eat. And lunch if we were going to school, that'd be the most unhealthy. Sandwich, small piece of cake, yoghurt, fruit and maybe some crisps. But when we were at home it'd be soup, crackers and cheese. And dinner always included potato's as the starch. And lots of veggies and then meat. And it was pretty seasonal as we had an allotment, so we always grew our own produce. Which is pretty common here thanks to the war.

[@Plateau_Skull]

@@sonhahuynhthi1908 this is so true. My own mum has never been one to homecook healthy meals and enjoy eating them. As an adult, I really wish she had, because I now struggle to enjoy cooking, and it is something I usually avoid doing. I go through phases of trying to cook more, but i never end up sustaining that. I don't really feel like an adult in the kitchen 😕

[@martieflagg4671]

I am 77 and live in the USA. The portions were MUCH smaller here in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Now portions are huge and many kids are growing up on mostly processed foods. I feel so sorry for them!

[@Edukalebylucie]

I totally agree, portion sizes are getting bigger and bigger, and in France as well!

[@freespirit5662]

Martie Flagg you are so right. I see this on all fast foods, they propose bigger and bigger portions of everything. I am French, am a normal woman with curves not thin but not big, and I can hardly finish a whole normal menu in a fast food. This size is considered as "small" for US fast-foods. I am fond of a good US breakfast, but after that I don't need to eat so much at each moment of the day. I was surprised the first time I went to US to see kids drinking a big bottle of Cola at lunch, with the huge amount of sugar in it. Things are changing so fast, and in a few decades I am pretty sure you saw Americans facing a constant offer of unbalanced oversized food outside home.

[@ringsroses]

Even growing up in the 80s and 90s I'm shocked at the "foods" I see now. Like cotton candy or Oreo cereal. I know we had Fruit Loops but wow 😳

[@erinbehnke4603]

I feel it because the lifestyle is a much faster pace. Americans are constantly on the go both parents and kids. We don’t slow down and enjoy life like other cultures. The biggest difference I noticed.

[@freespirit5662]

@@erinbehnke4603 there is also a question of selling more by addiction. Fast food and junk food is extremely addictive with all the sugar and fat. What 's the use to propose it in portions twice bigger than what an adult can eat, except slowly getting people used to eat more and more?

[@TheSkatingqueen101]

Coffee for breakfast, wine for lunch and dinner, cigarettes for snacks. And walking. That’s how we did it when I lived there.

[@HeyimflylikeaG6]

This just seems insanely unhealthy

[@lubielu371]

As someone who used to smoke 15 a day smoking for snacks doesn’t sound that bad compared to regular smokers especially in London

[@淇-s8w]

cigarette isn't good for anyone, please don't promote it Please~~

[@lubielu371]

@@淇-s8w it’s not really promoting there’s a lot of people in Europe who smoke a lot. Smoking (in London where I live for example) is a lot to do with parents, friends, surroundings and just being around smoking throughout your younger life which just makes you become a smoker yourself. I smoked because my dad and close friends did. I quit then started again because I started a job where basically everyone smoked on breaks. All I’m saying is that smoking as snacks is nothing bad compared to the Majority of people in Europe. However, smoking in general isn’t good for your health at all and that’s why I stopped

[@shaina6629]

that sounds like an eating disorder.

[@canttell4687]

The fact that my husband never ate an actual mango until we dated (he was 18 at the time) but has had mango flavored snacks and drinks is really telling of the childhood obesity problem in America. He was genuinely shocked that they didn't taste the same.

[@theprousteffect9717]

Truly. It's very difficult to stay healthy, learn, and maintain good habits in such an unhealthy culture.

[@janedoe3648]

​@@theprousteffect9717 seriously

[@tamikaleeryker]

Fruit in U.S. tastes bad compared to European. No fresh food markets all over to pick up daily.

[@jenniferibarra7737]

That’s why here in America you have to have your eyes wide open . And question everything .. they say oatmilk is healthy but it’s full of fillers and garbage. I feel like no other country really needs to supplement but in America they gave me no choice because the soil is not the same so we get less minerals . But one must make sure they supplement with something food grade .

[@nenaj1]

@@tamikaleerykerhere in New York City yes

[@angelafoster8686]

I’m an American woman on a weight loss journey. I used to think kids meals at restaurants would be too small. Now I’m used to the size and realizing that the “kid’s portions” are more akin to what an adult should be eating, and I actually get full from them! Plus I save a little $

[@joannewilson1483]

Thank you very much you are so sensible and wise you impart the knowledge so well thank you for your work Adelaide australia

[@ShlomoBerggruen]

lucky you.. in Germany they would never sell a kid's meal to an adult..

[@brid5415]

Same in Ireland, they won't serve the kids size to adults and its super annoying. Its the perfect size. One place in Dublin used to have half sized options for all their meals but they closed during Covid. Never saw it anywhere else, and I miss it. A full size meal, even a main salad is too much to eat. So wasteful

[@ShlomoBerggruen]

⁠@@brid5415do Irish restaurants offer to pack doggy bags? Some here in Germany do but definitely not the upper class restaurants . My mom always asked for doggy bags and had at least one, sometimes even 2 other meals from the leftovers 😉

[@Coffee.for-Breakfast]

Basically 1. Eat less processed foods 2. Drink more water 3. Snack less 4. Have various meals for nutrition 5. Value quality over quantity 6. Take long lunch breaks 7. Don’t eat out often 8. Eat healthy balance plates So I will eat smaller portions and go shopping more and walk to the store rather than drive but this is harder for me in the terrible cold months 🥲

[@Edukalebylucie]

Great summary, thank you!!

[@Pieceofchocolate1]

it’s literally just calories in, calories out (unless you have a medical condition that messes with this, but most people don’t). reduce the amount of food you eat daily by just a little (don’t want to starve yourself or feel unsatisfied) and move around more. replace sodas or juices with water so you aren’t drinking calories. even just taking a 20 minute walk a day can help.

[@anniedear]

That cry smile lollll

[@KitsuneHB]

If you walk a bit faster you won't get cold. :D I always walk to a supermarket and at the moment I even walk to a different supermarket 2 Kilometers away just for the fitness. It's also very cold at the moment in Germany. But walking fast and long enough and I don't freeze.

[@biancagutierrez6614]

There’s so everywhere where I live now 😩

[@stargirl33343]

The us needs more walkable cities and towns. That would be a great way to help with loneliness, health, and community.

[@euenfheiejrj]

I’m lucky to live in a very walkable US city but it’s fairly unusual thing here.

[@lisagreenwood4282]

I am curious about the handicapped accessibility in France.

[@mayitbe6606]

That will affect automobile business.

[@katnipz2210]

There is a urbanism theory which explains that American cities where design to use the car (for oil consumption) and european cities, because of their natural growth, are cities to walk. You can check it out in the distances between the center of the city ( where you go to shopping, etc) and where the houses are, in US this distance tend to be MUCH longer and without enough public transportation which makes you use the car more

[@littlestghost]

Yes! The KZbinr Eco Gecko has a wonderful series on this

[@mikagrossmann5370]

I think the Europeans in general learn the importance of home cooked meals from a young age. I always think it's so strange when American KZbinrs say they have pancake mixes and cookie mixes - it's so easy to prepare it yourself! Why do you need the mix??

[@Edukalebylucie]

I agree!

[@audreycousins2185]

@MYRNA WEIS-CALDERON yes! The process of baking itself is pleasurable. Why cut that short?!

[@-rosebuddy-640]

@@audreycousins2185 How are they supposed to get to burgerking for 20 piece nuggets and a milkshake before their friends BBQ if they half to make their own pancake mix? 🙄

[@naomia472]

Exactlyyyy I say that to my family too.... like why don’t we learn to make it ourselves?

[@Halfmoonbaee]

I’m an American whose learning this now as an adult. I literally realized I can cook/ make most things I usually buy. Most of the time it’s not even hard

[@kierahuskarl]

I'm starting to realize how much Americans are a global anomaly for hating daily tasks like cooking, shopping, getting dressed, cleaning, exercising... all basic maintenance. Everything you mention seems like common sense! But Europeans (and Asians too imo) have so many subtle good habits with food that it seems effortless, leading people to throw their hands up and say "you're just naturally thin."

[@thefitmit]

it’s bc for americans work takes priority we live to work not work to live ... capitalism

[@lyriclanguages3780]

@Grace Simper we arent lazy. Read the above comment. Work is priority because it’s expensive to live here. We work to survive, not to enjoy life. We are always on the go. Learn something first before judging

[@mayitbe6606]

@@lyriclanguages3780 If i want to save money, i would cook my meals, why waste money on takeaway food? cooking healthy simple food is so easy.

[@mayitbe6606]

East Asian women are obsessed with being skinny and looking young, being slim is never effortless for most people. As an East Asian, I tried extreme diet even at the age of 15, most of my classmates did anything to keep fit.

[@kierahuskarl]

@@mayitbe6606 True, I'm sure my friends who stay thin only do so because the expectation is SO high to where being fat is the absolute worst thing. My own "effortless" weight maintenance comes from a similar level of fear, being honest. it's all wrong cause there are many elements of beauty independent of weight, and sometimes being model thin even starts to age you at a certain point.

[@ndau300]

I'm an American who lived in Paris and this video rang true with me. One of the biggest lifestyle changes for me was getting used to going shopping for food every 1-3 days because I had a tiny fridge/kitchen and the food in France lacked preservatives. However the nice thing was that even the corner stores have a selection of fresh foods in small servings, so it was easy to pick up ingredients on my way home.

[@euenfheiejrj]

I live in Chicago and I probably go to the grocery store every 2 or so days. Partly because I need an excuse to get outside and walk around (especially since I’m not in the office with covid) and partly because I need fresh veggies/herbs for dinners. I’m definitely not the norm though!

[@meredithritchie8712]

I am so envious of French local bakeries, butchers, and street vendors of fruits and vegetables. In many parts of America these are scarce as they have been driven out by massive corporations like Walmart that offer fewer fresh options, ESPECIALLY when it comes to baked goods.

[@Edukalebylucie]

I know we are so lucky to have those!!

[@dearinlove]

exactly!!!! its so sad

[@SladkaPritomnost]

Well, it's market driven. People get what they want to.

[@meepmoop2308]

i actually have bakeries and street fruit vendors(in the summer) and some butchers in my area. i feel blessed lol

[@meepmoop2308]

@@SladkaPritomnost more like corporations with the economy of scale on their side swallowing up competition. of coursw people chose to shop at walmart when it was first starting out but people are dumb, we dont know whats good for us. and now? walmart is very firmly established, how is anyone supposed to compete against them out?

[@mariahn5764]

As an American who studied in Spain, I noticed a lot of this in Spain as well. The biggest difference for me was two-fold: meal time being an event. No one eats on the go. Even snacks, as she said, are enjoyed with a friend at a cafe, a small tapa and a cafe cortado for instance. Second, Spanish people walk all day long. Everything was close enough to walk to school or work or the shops. In the US, I find myself driving everywhere.

[@mariahn5764]

And yes! I agree that Spanish women weren’t as obsessed with their weight. It wasn’t a conflict or an obsession.

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yes I'm not surprised, a lot of European countries function this way!

[@wordswithkay]

This would make sense why New York City is the closest place like this in the US. When I lived in NYC weight just fell off of me and stayed off. I was running (not even walking lol) everywhere, standing for long time periods and eating salads and drinking coffee all day haha

[@mariahn5764]

@@wordswithkay yes! I totally agree. My best friend lives in NYC and when visiting I walk my butt off. I’d add San Francisco to that as well. So much walking (and so many hills too.) Now I live in a suburb of Denver, and while I am right next to public transit train, it is prohibitively expensive here (not like the NYC metro or BART). So I only use it (before pandemic) for events downtown where parking will be bad.

[@evelinaxxo9593]

Most european countries are obsessed with how skinny a human is.

[@natalieayala2008]

I noticed a lot of similarities when visiting Positano Italy. We had to walk everywhere and stairs and 5 hour hikes. My husband and I ate sweets like gelato nightly, wine, pasta and cheese and lost weight. But obviously that is not all we ate. We also ate small portions, water was the main beverage with dinner and throughout the day. We snacked on a lot of pears and lemons 😅 (because they are sweet like oranges). And when I cooked at our rental I used real tomatoes garlic and onions to make our pasta sauce or cooked chicken breast with tomatoes, onions,garlic and lemon juice, seasoned with salt, pepper and herbs. It was simple, few ingredient meals from what we could find but still more flavorful than what I can find or cook in the US. She is right that fruits and veg taste more flavorful in Europe. Also, it was hard to find meat and the grocery stores literally had just small filets of chicken breast, ground beef, which I am so sure was grassfed, and clams or small shrimps. I found no other meats. My dinner at the restaurant was steak and arugula salad with thin shavings of parmesan. The steak was filet thin but the most flavorful steak of my life. I could not believe how I got full on a thin steak and small salad. The salad was deeply flavored with a lemon and oil vinegrate. There were NO fast food places. Just wholesome real food and walking lol. It literally kicked started my metabolism and I naturally lost a bit more weight when I got back home.

[@Edukalebylucie]

That doesn't surprise me, a lot of European countries are similar!! Your trip to Italy sounds lovely, thanks for sharing!

[@thbmaples]

I’ve lived in Italy, Portugal, Spain and I current live in England, I eat a lot, like A LOT 😂 and I never gain weight, and all my friends from other countries ask me how I don’t gain weight, of course my genetics help but I just always walk. I always walked when living in all these countries or biked, I go to work and university walking, and I love it, it’s good for my health, it gives me strength and it helps me to keep my weight 🥰

[@wordswithkay]

This is my favorite thing about visiting Amsterdam (my favorite place!) when I go! We walk and bike everywhere, and the fresh fruits and vegan snacks are so cheap and accessible and then we eat great whole food delicious meals for dinner!

[@gorgeousprincess332]

@@thbmaples How much do walk on average per day? 1 hour a day? 2 hours?

[@thbmaples]

@@gorgeousprincess332 it depends on each day! If I have more appointments etc, usually from my house to my university is 1 hour, so I end up walking 2 hours if I’m only going to Uni and back home, my job is 20 minutes away from my university so that doesn’t add much

[@jacquelinesmith6712]

On my first day in France when I was studying there through college nine years ago, I've noticed that television advertisements for food are very rare. It's very prevalent here in America.

[@beingbari8369]

"children are taught to eat what's in front of them" PERIOD!

[@katieallen3142]

“people would rather have the real version once in a while than the diet version every day” i love this!!!

[@rosamancuso2740]

This is the way I grew up eating in South America. Everything we ate was cooked from scratch with fresh, real ingredients, we ate small portions and when we snacked it was only fruit, never processed foods.

[@Edukalebylucie]

That's awesome!

[@Cocoliso55]

I'm mexican and I'm overweight bc I love gansitos so much 🤧😖

[@Kaybye555]

@@Cocoliso55 lol gansitos are bomb though

[@ohsnapitsandie9933]

@@Cocoliso55 amiga, same😔👊

[@makiita26]

Yes! Im South american as well and I can see how this way of eating its very similar to how it was for me growing up.

[@jessicabrent4414]

Whats interesting about this is to buy whole foods, grass fed beef, and etc, it costs so much more than processed food in the US. It's almost like we are being pushed to eat unhealthy in order to save money.

[@cyberpunda.productions]

Same in Germany. Often processed options have become cheaper than fresh foods. Now being overweight is the stereotype for someone who is unemployed or dumb. When I was doing a two year study program my parents didn't support financially, so I applied for unemployment support. I received that, but it is very little. I could barely buy fresh vegetables or fruits. I used to like cooking, but that time changed me. I usually made noodles, like spaghetti with sauce or rice with maybe a bit of Veggie. Also I could not afford fresh bread from bakery and I had to buy the cheap processed bread from the supermarket. I gained weight in this time and it is very difficult to go back to healthier eating habits now. It's really like this processed and high carbs makes you addicted. I used to love vegetables and crave them, but the time I barely ate them made me loose my desire. I have to remind myself to eat them. It had gotten a bit better, but since Covid started and I am only preparing food for myself i started struggling again. Someone gave me the tip to make a meal plan. Plan for the whole month what dishes I want to cook for dinner and shop groceries planned and I'll try that. I'm currently making a list of a variety of easy things to cook that are also healthy. I think complicated cooking would currently overwhelm me. I want to get thinner because people tend to look down on chubby persons in Germany.

[@ericatoldmeto]

Really? I cut out processed foods and my grocery bill is much cheaper now. I guess it depends on your menu. I think that fast and processed food is more expensive.

[@cyberpunda.productions]

@@ericatoldmeto try to buy fresh peavhes VS canned peaches. Canned peaches are cheaper. Also canned peaches are sugared so you'll get extra calories and the canned ones are cooked before, so you'll get less vitamins. There is a difference in highly and low processed food. You may be thinking of complete pre-cooked meals or candy. But be honest, the packed stuff is usually cheaper than the fresh stuff. Cheap toast is only 50 percent flour, the rest of the ingredients is of no nutritional value. Mostly its just baking powder and stuff that makes the toast more durable. Real bread from a bakery cost double and has only 3 main ingredients: flour, water and salt. Traditional bread doesn't make you fat. These processed breads in the store will do so.

[@ericatoldmeto]

@@cyberpunda.productions I get you! I buy frozen berries because they are cheaper, but it truly depends on your eating habits. I eat a lot of organic bananas and dates which are super economical. I also love rice, lentils, beans, and potatoes which are cheap too. I rarely buy cheese and never any meat, so that is where I am coming from. Making your own bread is a money saver too; I do not buy bread at all ever. I definitely agree with you on the peaches because you are obviously right about that, but I eat more "expensive" items way less frequently. I follow the "quality vs. quanity" and fill up on cheaper foods that I can cook myself. Thanks for the POV 😊.

[@cyberpunda.productions]

@@ericatoldmeto As a German, at least one meal a day does include bread. And I love good bread. I live in the country with the most bread recipes. I don't know if I could live with out it 😅

[@usamedsales3173]

Your food is different. It isn’t fake, filled with chemicals and sugar. Your laws have kept food real. That is the biggest difference.

[@AdrianaMoise-q9w]

A potato is a potato, american or french, same with rice, beans, apples etc Choose fresh produce, not processed food.

[@Mira-gu6we]

​@@AdrianaMoise-q9w GMO vs organic.

[@tpmash]

I was in Paris, they take 2 hours for lunch! They sit in a restaurant during work lunch. The French day starts a bit later than usual. They’re so chilled

[@PopCorn-eh8lq]

I'm French and every job is different... There is no "french day" or schedule. It is true that we have most of the time 1h to eat lunch, and it is a social moment. In Paris jobs can (not always) begin later (9h) because of the traffic + distance of many workers from their work place. But in other areas of France (Paris is just one city) it's not the case. And there is not that many smokers ahah.

[@mgparis]

You can't generalise - in all my jobs in Paris we only took 1 hour max, and at my current job I start at 8:30 a.m.

[@PeepersT]

This is not across the board. Frankly, more often the lunches are getting shorter

[@pheart2381]

​@@mgparisrather than the 20 to 30 minutes everyone else gets. I dont think I've had a job with a full hour lunchbreak!!

[@mgparis]

@@pheart2381 I'm sorry about that... My point was to say that contrary to popular belief, not all French people take 2+ hour lunch breaks, that's all

[@geegee_509]

I needed this. Gonna put on my fridge “EAT LIKE A FRENCH WOMAN”

[@Edukalebylucie]

Haha awesome!!

[@allysandre695]

Uhhhh, I like this. I might do the same ❤️

[@rvrc-Jbd]

I will do the same. 😁👍

[@Risu_gxmes]

Start doing some magnets girl!

[@lisaposadas4557]

Totally!!!

[@heleen2595]

Same here in Italy. Most people eat pasta almost every day and are still thin and healthy, because we cook it at home with fresh, quality products. Also I have never understood the American habit of eating in their cars. Like they get all excited to go out for food just to end up eating it in a parking lot?? So weird and sad honestly

[@Edukalebylucie]

Haha this made me laugh, Europeans and Americans certainly have different habits, I'm sure we do things they find super weird as well 😂

[@monkey3397]

Sadly eating in cars is comforting to us lol

[@giuliana567]

I'm French and Italian, and I regularly go to Italy to visit my Family (in the south). And I can notice some huge differences in the quality of vegetables in France and Italy Just for example tomatoes in Italy, deep red, full of flesh and they're sweet! Delicious on their own Whereas in France, they taste pretty much like water ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I feel like fruits and vegetables in Italy are full of sun. Like the people, the food is generous and welcoming. That's why I love this country ^^

[@selenagilbert5075]

@@giuliana567 man dont come to America. Our produce freaking sucks. I had some grapes in Japan and it tasted so different abd flavorful. Same thing with lettace and rice. I hate the way corporatism is killing americans and creating a negative relarionship with food abd eating.

[@heleen2595]

@Shadow It's just an observation, didn't mean to offend you

[@charlottethebrunette4339]

Ohh bless this woman! Yes parents need to just serve their children whatever they are eating themselves so that way they learn to like anything and not to rely on Dino nuggets 😒

[@NiinaSKlove]

Totally agree. This is how I was raised, - and I am so, so thankful for that! 🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@BeautifulDreamerK]

As someone who is wanting kids soon, I agree with this. My husband grew up on processed foods- Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets. I’ve gotten into cooking/healthy cooking and so far, I’ve gotten my husband to eat vegetables and he’s even ditched the nuggets! I personally think we need to bring back home cooked meals but American culture & society makes it hard. I spent most of my Sundays meal prepping now and it’s worth it.

[@shearrermadness]

That’s how I grew up, my mom cooked and we ate what was placed on the table or we didn’t eat. Her line was “ this is not a restaurant “

[@torialves6088]

I also think it’s like Dino nuggets can be great - I’m 18 and I’d eat them - but NEVER for every meal. Everything ha to be served in moderation, kids def need more veggies than I think a lot of American parents serve.

[@Shangri-LaGrange]

I so agree! I grew up eating wonderful home cooked meals! Now with four kids, they eat what we eat and we rarely eat out or buy frozen “meals”. It frustrates me when I see friends with kids who say their kids won’t eat anything but chicken nuggets. Be the parent and make sure your kids eat nutritious foods! We drink water, only occasionally homemade sweet tea. The kids always have water with lunch and dinner. I knew when I had my little ones that I wanted them to love water so I was the mom who didn’t put juice in the sippy cup. 😅 We snack on apples and oranges. And love having fruit as a staple with breakfast. I love finding homegrown produce because I know the stuff at Walmart has been sprayed with so many pesticides/chemicals. 😩 Raw milk and fresh local eggs. Grass fed local beef. We are trying but it’s hard (and expensive) finding good food here in America. 😟

[@madiholgate2350]

“We know moderation is key....We know that we can enjoy whatever we like , as long as it’s not all the time”. Dang. Diet culture really do be controlling American society.

[@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987]

Not really, indulgence culture is more to the forefront, and Americans on average know these things. They just find it hard to put into practice. IMO that's largely due to how many highly processed foods are in their diets.

[@janicereeves4191]

I'm sitting here on my half hour lunch break scarfing down Arby's. So glad I watched this. I'm french from now on.

[@rayyg786]

When I only had 30min I made quinoa salad with red lentils, pickles, carrots and vinaigrette. It takes 15mins in the mornings. Also a cup of almonds and Goji for later. That Said, 30min is really Not a lot. Can you add Small 15 min breaks during the day? So as Not to scarf down a big quantity in a short time..

[@LifeRNhungrynursetravels]

Haha. What a sad world we live in here in the U.S. it’s even difficult for us in the healthcare field to sit down and own a “proper nutritious diet”, scarfing it down like yourself.

[@eliFreakland]

In America, it sucks working a full time job and only getting a 15 minute lunch break :( there's barely time to eat and even focus on what we're shoving in our mouths in the first place.

[@Edukalebylucie]

You're absolutely right, and a lot of the things I'm pointing out in this video aren't anyone's fault, just the way things are! Maybe trying to have a big, full breakfast and a lighter lunch that can be eaten in 15 minutes without rushing, and then a healthy snack in the afternoon could be a solution to this? I know how hard it must be though!

[@eliFreakland]

@@Edukalebylucie Oh totally, I just wish America had different standards. There’s too much focus on filling every day with work and time tables and not enough time devoted to just enjoying our lives or the way we cook and eat our food. I think The French and Europeans in general have a healthier approach to eating than us!

[@Edukalebylucie]

@@eliFreakland Yeah I agree with you! Thanks for watching and commenting! :)

[@aannmaina]

@Sainte Ofelia haha

[@magdalenalukaszewska3071]

You only have 15 minutes lunch breaks? No way we in Vienna have at least 45 minutes breaks.. I am shocked and is it true that you guys have only 2 weeks off in a year?

[@Oyuki-Mayonesa]

Can you please show us typical French portion sizes. This is soo important because it has the biggest impact.

[@Edukalebylucie]

Sure, I show portion sizes in my latest video!

[@Oyuki-Mayonesa]

@@Edukalebylucie yay 🙌🤜🤟

[@shastasilverchairsg]

It's actually American portion sizes that are abnormal tbh.

[@gracmacle]

I’m in high school in the US, I literally only have 20 minutes for lunch. That 20 minutes also includes actually getting down the cafeteria and going through the line (which can take up to 10 minutes sometimes), sitting down and eating, and using the restroom if needed. Also, I live in a rural area, so walking everywhere literally isn’t an option for me :(

[@reneadilsaver9903]

I feel this. I’m not in high school anymore, but I went through the exact same thing. The US structurally isn’t designed to give people a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

[@emilielandry]

Wow 20 minutes is enough for a snack not a meal... if I were you I would make sure my breakfast is very filling/balanced, pack a healthy snack for lunch,have another healthy snack on the way home and then have another filling well balanced meal for dinner.

[@Edukalebylucie]

That is totally deplorable, so sorry for you guys!! But don't worry you can still do all of the other things!

[@nadiaarsenijevic8594]

Wow I live in France and the shortest amount of time I have gotten for lunch was 1h! Generally I got 1h30! Could not imagine having only 20min😣

[@lapillus2344]

@@nadiaarsenijevic8594 In the US, most people only have 30 minutes. Even lots of jobs only let people have 30 minute lunches by law, but some places give more time because they combine break times with their lunch.

[@LalaNaidu]

The point about kids not eating special "kids foods" is such a good one. I am from Denmark and we don't practice that either. Kids - eating a variety of whole foods establishes a strong and diverse gut microbiome that builds that supports overall well-being, including mood and immunity. Well done dear. Keep it up!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Totally agree!! Thank you!

[@milly5568]

It is so annoying! I was raised by parents that truly believed in us kids eating the same foods as them (we also took yearly holidays to Europe so I got to know the culture) and always found it so boring/tiresome eating off of kids menus in Australia.

[@threemornings3259]

サラシラさ

[@katepadilla]

Yes! One rule in our family is that, when we go out to dinner, our kids are not allowed to order from the kids menu. Every single kids menu is the same -- chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, cheeseburger, fries, hot dog. They can order from the adult menu, and take home the leftovers if needed.

[@vannaeldwijk7075]

Same in Spain, children eat squid, barnacles clams...no problem

[@Kemma12558]

I love this. Also I’ve noticed that in the US even foods labeled as “healthy” are often laced with preservatives, even things like our fruit and veg is full of things to make it last longer unlike in European countries. It’s just so hard to make smart decisions because everything is hidden it’s very annoying

[@stereotypea123]

Yes , all of the marketing on packaged foods to trick people into thinking they are making a good choice is so infuriating.

[@areguapiri]

Then use your basic human intelligence and don't eat it.

[@janellejajeh3412]

I think the main issue with American diets is that majority of American cities are food deserts and it’s very difficult to find fresh fruit and vegetables. Fast food is much cheaper and more accessible.

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yes that is a good point.

[@momentsformoms9467]

Exactly,we live in a country area but still don’t have much for options. I think we have two people who have ‘stands.’ One is large bags of carrots or potatoes and I’m not sure what the other one is or even what eithers prices are compared to the store.

[@euenfheiejrj]

Eh I’m not sure about the majority of American cities being food deserts. I think that’s more of the rural America than big cities. I’ve lived in 2 of the biggest US cities and never had an issue getting fresh fruit and veggies.

[@jturtle5318]

@@momentsformoms9467 if you're rural, you might have space for a garden. Also, you'll need a metal fence to keep the bunnies and woodchucks out.

[@momentsformoms9467]

@@jturtle5318 we rent so we only have a tiny patio. I tried to plant pots last summer but nothing grew.

[@samanthab3292]

I'm so in awe and jealous about the food and nutrition education! That is something that is not just lacking in the US, but not even addressed. Also 2 hour lunch break? Amazing.

[@Edukalebylucie]

We are lucky!

[@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987]

Right? that's practically unheard of here and we start the workday earlier too on average I think.

[@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987]

@@night6724 Ours isn't all that hot right now either.

[@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987]

​@@night6724 I don't think it helped. I'm curious if inflation has surpassed the 80s. Give it time the US may catch up.

[@det2235]

It was attempted by Michelle Obama,as 1st Lady, and she was shouted down by the religious right.

[@draishwaryathapliyal]

This is quite similar to how we eat in India as well! Especially because many Indians are vegetarian and Indian foods have to be made from scratch all the time. However, as the fast food chains are becoming popular, this is definitely leading to health crisis, and I believe its a global issue.

[@sarahbhansali]

I agree

[@Edukalebylucie]

That doesn't surprise me! But yes I agree, so sad that American fast food chains and eating habits are reaching Europe and Asia as well..

[@shreyab25]

Our foods are very tasty and healthy, I think the main reason obesity is increasing here is due to lack of physical activity, because most of teenagers in india are doing some kind of studies amd most parents dont send them out much, especially women. Also since we eat rice and chappati with our sabjis we consume a lot of carbs, so yeah I do like our diet, I just hope, going out with friends, family becomes normal in our country

[@draishwaryathapliyal]

@@shreyab25 physical inactivity is one of the many reasons, especially during covid when going out has become difficult. However, eating habits play a much bigger role in a persons overall health. Chains like dominos, KFC, McDonalds, pizza hut, burger king you name it are becoming more and more popular not just in India but everywhere around the world. Home-made Indian food is very nutritious and as you said, very tasty too!

[@snaik9141]

@@draishwaryathapliyal exactly it's just that pizza and punjabi food doesn't work everywhere I am from Goa and our diet is mostly fish and coconut based but these days bcoz most of the people live in cities they're going out for dominoes, mc donalds etc also more and more people these days just by pre cooked stuff that they can just fry in 15min Whereas even up to my grandmother's generation used to make their own masalo own rice etc at home

[@Theloveinabubble]

In pediatrics we are taught in nutrition class that children eat what their parents/family eat, it's a way of socialization, so they get exposed to a much diverse option of foods and nutrients

[@murrey1646]

in Europe, bread is eaten all the time but only few of them are fat and have gluten problems meanwhile in America, it’s a whole different story

[@Betty-cs2ub]

Sadly many American women have a very unhealthy relationship with food. I've gone through most of these negative mentalities. Before this video I started to get a little bit into a more positive view of food and not punish myself. Thank you for this video. I will keep the French womens healthy mentality with food.

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yes it's so sad, I'm so glad if this video can help a bit! You should never punish yourself for eating. Good luck!

[@paulinelapetite7583]

Wow ! I am half french half German, grew up in Germany and I wasn’t even aware how much french eating culture influenced my life until watching this video hahah

[@Edukalebylucie]

That's awesome, always so interesting to see how our different cultures and the places we live in can influence us!

[@manoukd1932]

How come French women don t get fat? Me, an overweight French woman: 😳 Mais plus sérieusement tes vidéos sont super agréables à écouter 😄

[@Edukalebylucie]

Hahaha 😂 merci!!

[@abirk5310]

Pareil je veux savoir 😂

[@main2333]

Dont eat processed foods and oil

[@yvonnerenoult1819]

@@main2333 Or sugar. Sugar is addicting. There are healthy substitutes to make things sweet. Once you wean off of sugar, you no longer crave it. It’s hard to believe when you are addicted, but it’s true. So many resources on KZbin to show how. Whole food plant based diet makes you feel full snd satisfied, stops food cravings, lose weight, help the environment and the dear sweet animals while you’re at it!

[@-rosebuddy-640]

@@yvonnerenoult1819 i ain't giving up meat, but I do agree with the rest. I use natural suger supplements in tea, coffee, and avoid things with high suger content, eat less white bread and processed food, higher quality cheese, more veggies, and have a more active lifestyle. To be honest, i don't know how i ever ate the way did before! I feel so much better and happier now that i changed my diet, and my muscles are growing faster.

[@carolinecorbett7365]

There are also better restrictions in Europe regarding food. In the US, foods are full of chemicals which disrupt hormones. Sugar in many forms is in just about everything in the US. Europe has a higher respect on simple organics.

[@360shadowmoon]

I think it's similar in Italy. When I lived in Italy, I dropped 10 pounds without even trying! I didn't diet or exercise. I lived right next to a fresh food store, and would buy my ingredients every day on the way home from work, and cook it at home. I ate pasta every day and walked everywhere. I admit, the first time I went to a restaurant, the small portion sizes confused me lol, but I got used to it. The food there tastes so good, too.

[@frenchcesca3988]

This was so interesting 😄 I'm British and have been living in Paris since 2018, the focus on food and body image has been something I've really noticed. There seems to be a lot of culture around "paying attention" and from a young age children are aware of what foods are everyday foods and what are occasional foods, I'd even argue that a lot of them have better self control than children from other places. One of the biggest things I've noticed is how much the culture surrounding foods makes it possible for people to eat this way. Everything from the importance of balance school meals with long lunch breaks, the importance of lunch breaks at work even if you're busy, tickets resto, having bakeries, markets, butchers etc. being super accessible; it makes it much more affordable and easier to eat well!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Totally agree, we are lucky that this way of eating is encouraged by our culture/society!

[@MollyLolly26]

I always wonder how you go so long between lunch and 8pm with only fruit or nuts as a snack? I spent a fair amount of time in Italy and used to feel a bit sick or dizzy waiting for an 8pm dinner...🙃

[@Gontzal7]

What you say about the french applies roughly to every mediterranean country

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yes you are right!

[@NatalieWettergren]

I would have to say I see lots of similarities to Sweden and the Nordic countries too! :)

[@lemmings6516]

Germany is the same :)

[@rayyg786]

I was thinking the same..I'm Swiss, and we don't have as much sun as the south, so our seasonal produce is more limited, but you bet I have delicious fresh local market tomatos everyday in summer. And cucumbers. And everything I can manage to grow in our garden.

[@therealanazia5622]

We literally had 30 minutes to eat lunch at school and you are used to one to two hours! We thought it was a blessing when the bell wouldn’t ring and we’d suddenly get a longer lunch which was veryyy rare😂

[@Edukalebylucie]

Oh no I feel so bad for you 🤣

[@naomia472]

For us it’s 15 or 20 and I eat so quickly now and I hate it 😭

[@maja__5047]

We didn't even have any lunch break...

[@orcanerdc6204]

I'm an American and I was floored when I learned other kids had entire pantries dedicated to "snacks" and their parents cooked them separate, usually bland tasting, meals. My parents were not about that at all.

[@liliajoon]

same! we're iranian american so we adopt many of these same habits in this video, just with more of a mediterranean influence. and the first time i saw a family's snack pantry, i was just floored.

[@HannahCAcosta]

American girl here! This video is what I need to show my family when they ask me why I’m so skinny! Haha 😂 Everything you’ve said is what I tell them. All things I’ve learned on my own through common sense. I eat Whole Foods, designated meal times, active all day and I eat whatever I want, but mostly healthy and portioned well. To them it seems so difficult but to me it’s gross to eat badly and lack of exercise!

[@MarshaPrice-ss7vt]

You too, are very special.......

[@Jay-mz8vg]

This makes me want to live in France, such an easygoing-healthy way of life and relationship with food. I love America but the “typical” diet is just terrible

[@Edukalebylucie]

Move to France haha!

[@robyroby1902]

I'm Italian, I've travelled a lot either in the U.S. and France and I have exactly your same approach to food. However, my colleagues and relatives don't understand and believe that I really enjoy this way.... They associate good food with sacrifice and bad food with pleasure.... I think it's more a sort of cultural problem.... During childhood, mummy says: if you are a good girl I get you a candy....or an ice cream... Not I get you an orange

[@Edukalebylucie]

I totally agree!!

[@lanaphobiaa8789]

HOW COME FRENCH WOMEN SO DAMM BEAUTIFUL

[@Edukalebylucie]

🥰

[@chenanigans]

I love the quote by the French Lady in the book you mentioned. We really need to change our outlook on food. Eating healthy shouldnt be seen as punishment, rather an actual form of "treating ourselves". Giving our bodies the proper nutrients should be something we look forward too!

[@martynawejman6687]

I'm Polish, so we also have more traditional eating habits, home cooked meals are a standard. I was very surprised when I was watching Gilmore Girls. Rory and her mother literally could just eat couple of pop tarts for breakfast. They ordered food evry day and they ate damn huge portions. Despite all that, they remained skinny and healthy ;))

[@ginterka381996]

Hello from Poland too. 😁 I agree, that we have more healthy food.

[@milly5568]

Tradycyjne jedzenie jest najlepsze!

[@miamilan4812]

It’s a tv show. That’s not how all Americans eat. Obviously they’re skinny because in real life, not the show,they don’t eat that way.

[@seanabadalich9112]

It was a tv show not how anything works

[@rissasmithg]

Ik it’s just a tv show, but just because they’re “skinny” doesn’t mean that it automatically makes them “healthy.” My sister eats junk everyday but in small portions (if you’re thinner your stomach is smaller), so pretty much her fast metabolism is the reason she remains thin. But being skinny won’t prevent health problems in the future if you’re still naturally thin.

[@justine147]

You’ve really covered all the bases. I get asked this question all the time as well, somehow I never managed to deliver such a structured & accurate answer. I like how you highlight the fact that it is heavily habit based, these habits being embedded in us from age zero. The only thing I would add would probably be the impact of the food marketing industry, if you take the US or even the UK, processed food is highly marketed everywhere, especially to kids. (TV, ads before children videos, commercial centers, cinema etc.) In France there are laws in place to restrict that from happening (disproportionately) as well as government campaigns promoting healthy eating (5 fruits/vegetables per day). I personally do notice a difference, it’s less “in your face” and ultimately this probably leads to less temptation or even to a different taste trend on a societal level. Merci pour la super vidéo. ❣️

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thank you so much for your comment and for talking about the food marketing industry: you are absolutely right!

[@margareth2320]

Yes to the food marketing thing. I have been noticing just how many commercials are for processed snacks and junk food, sodas, etc. Its disgusting. Nobody advertises healthy foods, just Doritos, Cheetos, Mountain Dew, “chicken” nuggets shaped like dinosaurs because apparently kids won’t eat unless the food is in an interesting shape 🙄

[@ET-dk9in]

I live in the US and it's been so difficult to change my habits when it comes to eating mindfully and more healthy. And 30 mins is not enough time for lunch.

[@Edukalebylucie]

I can imagine how hard it must be!

[@queentulip]

I feel you girl. My eating habits are naturally French but here in the US people mostly inhale their 1,000,000 calorie meal within 10 mins….

[@camillev9280]

my lunch break in high school was 20 minutes. It was literally a matter of shoving as much food in as I could before the bell rang. I hated it. That's one of the big reasons I've chosen to stay virtual for the rest of my senior year. Being at home also allows me to cook my meals, whereas I was forced to bring some processed foods to school. I didn't have time to cook and pack a homemade lunch every night. My high school also doesn't allow time to go to the bathroom. The only chance was during lunch, which left me with even less eating time. I wasn't able to drink nearly enough water. This is another reason I've stayed virtual.

[@TheNutmegStitcher]

Once we break away from diet culture (which happened to me when I practiced intermittent fasting and began to cook from home), there was such peace and freedom. I naturally became an intuitive eater after getting away from fast food and highly processed things. I became like French women without even realizing it. 😅 I haven't dieter since. I'm an excellent baker now, and I have no trouble with weight gain -- even through menopause. This was an excellent summary and comparison.

[@babss2276]

Merci! That was so interesting - and you really do not judge, just tell your observations in such a nice way! All the best from Germany...

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thank you so much!!

[@catnip4587]

Calling people fat is a bit judgy

[@beadalmeida]

@@catnip4587 No, it isn’t. It’s literally a fact. There are people who are obese, fat, midsized, skinny, very skinny. If you feel offended by someone describing other people the way they look like the problem is within you, not them.

[@catnip4587]

@@beadalmeida you don’t have a clue

[@catnip4587]

@@beadalmeida people come in all shapes and sizes but all those words you just wrote are judgy and biased by your concept of what someone should look like You are the one with the problem not me

[@MarchionessDarby62]

When I lived in Angers, I literally walked everywhere, and I ended up actually losing weight while there. Subbing!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Haha I am not surprised about that at all!

[@natalieayala2008]

Same thing happened when I went to Positno Italy. We had to walk everywhere and stairs and 5 hour hikes. My husband and I ate sweets like gelato nightly, pasta and cheese and lost weight. But we also ate small portions, water was the main beverage with dinner and throughout the day. We snacked on a lot of pears lemons 😅 (because they are sweet like orange). And when I cooked at our rental I used real tomatoes garlic and onions to make our pasta sauce. It was hard to find meat and the grocery stores literally just small filets of chicken breast, ground beef which I am so sure was grassfed, and clams. I found no other meats. My dinner at the restaurant was steak and arugula salad with thin shavings of parmesan. The steak was filet thin but the most flavorful steak of my life. I could not believe how I got full on a thin steak and small salad. The salad was deeply flavored with a lemon and oil vinegrate. There were NO fast food places. Just wholesome real food and walking lol.

[@Ana-ux6of]

Plus cigarettes. France has a high rate of lung cancer, which is especially booming for women in France. :(

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yup, there certainly are smokers here!

[@briannagendron1559]

Im french and Korean, I have never smoked in my life. The smell makes me gag.

[@Nikthehermit]

Honestly the smoking culture is real I love France but everytime I go I pick up the habit

[@margauxleprevost3181]

When I go to the US with my partner, we share most meals and drinks because portions in the US are too big for us French people !

[@Jessica-co2ef]

I’m obsessed with nutrition and I love eating healthy. People would always give me smart remarks at work for being small and eating healthy. Some would act like they felt sorry for me, as if I was torturing myself, like what??!! The culture here really is different, I hate it lol

[@claudiamedina6500]

Sounds like jealously maybe I would say or ignorance

[@andreacaceres4705]

I've always been "skinny", or not fat, whilst eating whatever I wanted. What I do is this: 1. Eat healthy breakfast lunchs and dinners whenever I can. Eating healthy is actually a habit picked from home. My mom always wanted us to eat good things for us, diverse food, and always eat fruit or drink fruit juices. It's now the way I'm "programed" to eat 😄. And whenever I eat "junk food" or takeout, I don't feel bad at all because I know it's exceptional. 2. Eat super mindfully. I eat SLOW. I actually chew my food (unlike others around me 😆 that devour their food) and I think that probably helps my digestive system to process food better. 3. Whenever I eat "unhealthy foods", I eat super small portions of them. It's not that I'm limiting myself, it's just I actually don't need much of it to satisfy (maybe cause I eat something healthy before eating treats). Also I know I will feel bad if I ate much of it. 4. STOP when you are full. So many people I know say "you have to eat everything on your plate so food doesn't get wasted", or if you go out "I paid for this plate so I'm going to finish it". In the end, the food that "doesn't get wasted" is the food that ends up making YOU bad. I LITERALLY STOP when I'm satisfied, even if a single gnocchi is left behind, I will not eat it if I'm already full. It used to drive my boyfriend crazy, now he's used to it. And that is it. I love food very much ❤

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thanks for sharing all of this!!

[@Oll_704]

I’ve noticed that certain American cities are similar San Francisco,San Diego, Atlanta, New York etc. The thing they all have in common is walkability. Walking is so underrated, swap out walking for driving whenever you can !

[@Edukalebylucie]

Absolutely!

[@michellelanstra2831]

As a child of a French family, what you are saying is absolutely spot on. Even as a child, I noticed the differences between our family and the Americans that I went to school with... and their families.

[@steelcitybeauty976]

Your American accent is the best I’ve ever heard

[@mgparis]

I never even suspected she was French (and I'm French too :)

[@Heatheriz234]

My mother is French, and it’s inherently given me a great relationship with my food. I’m very mindful of preparing all of my own food, even with fake-aways as opposed to buying takeout - and it’s a fun process to go through with pushing my cooking skills. I thought that it was an individual choice but this video definitely shines light on the different relationship to food per nation

[@ReneeCaraway]

This was so informative And you’re adorable. At 51, I’ve recently discovered the lifestyle you’re describing here all on my own. (Except the part about walking everywhere; I love my car and I love driving it). My only complaint about this video is how hard you were constantly trying not to offend anyone. You’re telling it as you see it and if anyone is offended it’s probably because they’re guilty of the offending behavior.

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thank you so much! So glad that you found this lifestyle! Haha the last thing I want is to offend people or make someone feel bad, so I admit I go a little bit overboard with the disclaimers sometimes 😂

[@1991bcarey]

This is true! I went on vacation to Paris a couple of years ago and because of all the walking and the smaller portions, I actually lost weight. I was drinking wine, eating pastries and cheese and everything and still lost weight. I usually gain weight on vacations, so I was shocked!

[@Edukalebylucie]

That doesn't surprise me!

[@amalia1338]

I find this true for Europe in general

[@Edukalebylucie]

Absolutely!

[@alicia-hd2cs]

Not in Malta, unfortunately (geologically found underneath sicily)

[@silencedogood9747]

I was born in the wrong county. 😂 Literally everything you said French women do, I do. Even my philosophy on clothes and makeup is the same. I just naturally do these things and my dad thinks I'm nuts for limiting the junk food my kids eat. 😂 My kids are used to having fruit in the house instead of junk foods and they enjoy it, so I do feel good about that despite my family's assertions that I'm depriving them. I'm American by the way.

[@staroliva6502]

My daughter study in Strasbourg FR and I do have to say when she came back 4 years later she was lost . Eating in France is a whole different ball game. Small portion and very fresh food... They eat seasonal and one thing they walk everywhere.... Yes they smoke more than here in the US but they eat healthier than us... Great video....

[@MizukiLovina]

french women's perspective with food inspired me choosing what is right to consume :) i love your content thoo from Philippines hihi im a 2nd year nursing student and im trying to train my mind love my subject nutrition and diet and your channel is a piece of cake

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thank you so much for your comment, it means a lot! Good luck with your studies!

[@camillehendricks9819]

I honestly lost so much weight whilst living in Paris ... And I can tell you that my habits were insanely different... I used to have goute with the kids 🤣 but 3 meals a day, no snacks only goute which would be my sweet treat for the day.... It was the smallest I've ever been! Edit: The healthiest as well!!!

[@rissasmithg]

I have no knowledge what is goute 😅

[@MrLebro11]

100% agreed! Having a great relationship with food & yourself is key. Years ago I had a mind shift that nothing is off limits and stopped calorie counting. This made so much more room in my life for other things. I know what’s good for me, limit what’s not and be active. And now I’m at my healthiest weight. And enjoy food so much more! Thank you for sharing. You remind us to not get caught in the fads of diets, process foods, ordering out and calorie counting. All are traps.

[@Edukalebylucie]

You are totally right, so glad that this worked out for you!

[@natty_b]

Also omg I can't imagine actually taking a one hour lunch break. At my work everyone usually eats at their desk (if at all)! Ugh

[@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987]

Sadly, we're allowed an hour but most of us don't usually take it mainly because we always seem to have more work than we have time for.

[@annafelka4042]

Personal experience with food: I was a very chubby kid so as a teen I decided to go vegan. This was about 10years ago and there wasn’t a lot of vegan food in stores or restaurants so it forced me to learn (and love) to cook meals with fresh foods, basically I ate the same way as she describes in this video but minus the meat and dairy. I felt great. My weight wasn’t too high or low. Then véganisme got more popular and more vegan junk food and fast food was available annnnnd the home cooking stop, the quality went down and the weight came back on. Also my thoughts about food become unhealthy. This year I regained my love for cooking fresh meals and worked on healing my thoughts about food without dieting or limiting I lost 50lbs this year! I just ate more variety and had fun cooking at home instead of eating out. I feel so much better! So in summary I think no matter what type of diet you follow, it’s so important to have positive thoughts, not too controlled, and focus on making home cooked meals and whole fresh foods

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thanks for sharing!

[@librarystudyntour]

Very very good point. Healthy eating isn’t a constraint!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Absolutely!

[@kstadlerova]

i´m from Czechia, but my parents lived in France for a couple of years. a lot of the things you talk about is actually what we do too and what helped me to always stay like a normal weight. that changed later, for multiple reasons and i´m trying to get into this french way of eating because i gained a ton of weight and don´t really wanna go back to what i was doing before because it wouldn´t suit me anymore. i must say your channel is quite an inspiration, i´m gla i stumbled upon it!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Thank you so much for your comment! I think that getting back into the French way of eating is a great idea, good luck!

[@adopt-a-pet-istanbul]

Chewing is really important as digestion starts in the mouth. I’ve read somewhere that each bite should be chewed 30 times before swallowing. This not only helps digestion, you will feel when you’ve had enough and won’t overeat. And also - eating until you feel full is not a good idea, as 5-10 minutes after finishing a meal one would feel to heavy. If you stop eating when you still feel just a bit of hungry, that’s good, finish with a glass of water and the heaviness won’t follow.

[@jamiemaher9624]

This 53 year old male enjoyed your video very much. I am 15 months no meds after reversing my Type 2 Diabetes which I was diagnosed with Mar 7 2018. I eat 2 meals a day in a 6 hour window and I Fast for 18 hours a day. I weigh 175 lbs and I walk a lot, and I always park further away. Merci Beacoup!!! 🤟💖🤟

[@SeaTurtle515]

Good information in general for anyone to live by. I am a 68 year old Italian American and when I was growing up and when I raised my kids, there was no such thing as kids meals and adult meals. Children were expected to eat what everyone else was eating or not at all. I don’t understand this aspect of modern day parenting, kids are such fussy eaters now. As I child I ate everything. Including things like tripe and loads of veggies. It never even crossed my mind to complain about the food my mother or grandmother made, I thought it was all delicious.

[@CeliaCavalli]

I loved France! It was so culturally different than the states. I was shocked when they even closed down mid day for “rest” it’s so zen! I wish we had more food habits like the French. The food always tasted fresher and better!

[@juliaseazar]

Je suis tellement heureuse de vous avoir trouvée! J'ai été en surpoids pour aussi longtemps que j'ai de souvenirs et en arrivant en France j'ai remarqué que les seules filles autour de moi qui étaient en surpoids l'étaient pour des raisons hormonales. Je suis contente de pouvoir en apprendre plus sur le "secret" de toutes mes amies et aspire à me rééduquer quant à mes habitudes alimentaires qui résultent de négligences pendant mon enfance.

[@alexandraj5707]

I lost weight when I stayed in France last year with my friend for a week. My friend julien has coffee(and cigarette) for breakfast or a small bowl of oats, then we’d walk a lot and pick up something fresh from the boulangerie at lunch and cook fresh pasta with veggies for dinner and he never snacks! Considering he smokes quite a lot he is so lean and healthy!!

[@User_dkffkdrkagfgk]

I am Korean and have lived in Paris, NYC, Rome and Seoul. I always drop weight from visiting France or Korea--- I think this is because of walking and eating slow over a conversation. There are so little chance to walk as much as I do in Paris or in Seoul compared to even more walkable cities in N.America. Also metro in both cities require extensive walking on tunnels, connections, stairs and so on. Eating assorted veggies and fruits is probably another thing-I grew up with my Korean mum saying how we should eat all colours in a meal and also veggies/fruits/fish that is of that season. I see in North America how people meal-prep and I cannot just do that because cooking, picking ingredients and eating something different everyday is all just part of joy. In North America, there's just not that kind of street culture of browsing others, shopping with your eyes and sitting in a cafe and enjoying the moment- and this last one is the best in Paris.

[@llewisdolphins]

I am American and was raised with home cooked meals, and you eat what you get. I raised my children the same way. No TV, no short order cook and always home cooked. This makes meal time sacred and raises appreciation for the food in front of you. There is a lot of food insecurity in America, and too many of us have experienced an empty kitchen, cupboards, and fridge. It makes eating at any cost the problem. It isn't easy to make balanced plates because it is too expensive and impractical for most American families. I eat intuitively and choose fresh whenever I can afford it. Making whole foods more accessible would change the nature of meals in a huge way. But until the prices for real food are less than highly processed food, we won't see much of a change. I like that the French have whole foods readily available and affordable. I would love to see that change here. Great video. Thank you for sharing this!

[@isabelfonseca8803]

truly shocked about the american eating habits, the "french way" is how we do it in portugal

[@jentwa97]

*laughs in 15-minute lunch breaks*

[@babymae2222]

Yes someone said it lol

[@wavyslugs]

I was so annoyed by my mind set, but you have helped me so much!!! I don't need to starve myself and I love healthy foods and I love taking care of my self when I do... holy crap- IM SO HAPPY NOW IM NOT LOST ANYMORE YAYYYY

[@gwenstacy2470]

Her hair is so beautiful omg

[@tosha3638]

I love this! As a fellow nutritionist and of French West Indian ancestry, I was raised to eat this way and coach my American clients on this as well. Didn’t know this was a French thing! You did a great job explaining the differences and how to shift it! You have a new subscriber! Looking forward to more.

[@Edukalebylucie]

This means a lot coming from a fellow nutritionist, thank you!!

[@rachelgarcia5053]

I wouldn't call myself a french woman, but I am part French Canadian from my mom's side of the family. I can totally relate to some of the behaviors you described. I never like to eat out, or eat processed foods, and prefer fresh food made at home...with veggies in almost every meal. And I never leave the house without getting ready. It's not just about looking good, but it just makes me feel more awake and ready to take care of errands. One tip I'll take is more variety with meals. Thanks for a great video!

[@Edukalebylucie]

Yes there are tons of similarities! Thanks for watching!

[@sophiasteinhardt2168]

I love this video and your approach so much! I'm German and when it comes to diet and exercise, you always end up watching American advice here on KZbin. I love how you point out that there's no need to stress about every single meal and how healthy it is, as long as your whole attitude towards the culture of food is balanced. I've heard this very often but it never really hit home, so thank you for showing this wonderful view of food from France :-) lots of love!!

[@lilianddodo3865]

I noticed that europeans enjoy the natural taste of fresh produce. They don't enjoy fruit pies with much sugar, they'd rather have the fruit's flavor to be stronger than the added sugar. Same goes for a salad, a dressing is a compliment or enhancement to the flavor of each vegetable. This technique makes it easier to avoid consuming too much sugar, salt, or fat.

[@soapbeit5952]

This is common sense folks. I am American and am not fat. Didn't American's eat this way until modern times? I don't recall seeing obesity as common, even in the 1980's and 1990's. Not so sure it is a French thing , but more of a cooking healthy meals thing. Our lifestyle has sped up. No 2 hr lunches to eat, let alone cook!

[@lolarobinson519]

as a French woman, there is something very important to explain: industrial food in France has a better composition than in North America, due to the many European restrictions on food preservatives... meats, fruits, vegetables, all have a good composition. ➡️ In North America/Australia I had to take organic food to have a similar quality to normal food in France... But our digestive system is weaker. In Australia I kept the same diet I had in France, and took 20 pounds the first months (with only meats, vegetables, fruits)... my body was not used to their type of ingredients / preservatives. So I changed my diet with organic foods and it was better.

[@ChristinaBiasca]

We absolutely don’t allow our children to eat different food than us for meals, but I’ve seen a lot of families do this. Generally in my circle of friends we don’t do this though. It makes me sad when people do this with their children actually.

[@annalisajohnson5759]

Food guilt is so hard to overcome. Reviving from anorexia was so hard but the guilt with enjoying food or overeating is almost worse sometimes

[@madisoncarlton5568]

I have finally changed my mindset in regards to the health part. I am obese, and hated the idea of dieting. I had to realize that taking care of my health would be a permanent change not a diet. And I now enjoy exercising, cooking, meal planning, and doing wgat I'm doing. It us hard to get un processed foods since I'm a minor and don't control the food budget or list.

[@Edukalebylucie]

I understand how hard it can be when you don't control the meals, but so glad that you were able to change your mindset! Good luck!

[@nicklasryder7808]

I love how you're realistic enough but not too fluffy. If clipping part of this vid to teach my kids about healthy diet.

[@bw5911]

I live in the U.S. and I was heavy, but now I'm very thin. I VERY MUCH appreciate how you addressed being overweight. It is really nice to see especially in a young person being so polite. Thank you!

[@shuu_39]

You're last point is super helpful. About enjoying taking care of your body and by extension your physical appearance. While I'm not American, I may have adopted the thinking that being comfortable is more important than looking stylish. Now that I live in Japan, I keep questioning why people are more concerned about their appearance a bit too much, getting stressed at times. Now I see that they're probably enjoying it, similar to the French (in general that is) Sometimes I do enjoy being pretty, at times I just want to be in my pajamas. Now I just have to be careful not to let the negative side of each taking me down. Enjoying both is key I think. Have a good day everyone 💚💚