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| Friday, June 11, 2010 |
| The French Lifestyle |
I recently read an interesting article that compared the lifestyle in France to the lifestyle in the United States. The study was called "Lifestyle in France and the United States: An American Perspective” and it was published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. It looked at the differences in the lifestyles of people in each country and how they affect health.
The study points out that France has one of the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease despite having one of the highest intakes of saturated fat. This alone could lead Americans to believe that the French diet is the better. Some Americans look to the French for tips on living a healthy lifestyle already, but many do not. The study cited some interesting facts that show taking a look at how the French live really is a good idea. For example, only 17% of French adults are obese compared to 34% of American adults. France also has one of the lowest mortality rates from heart disease. These two statistics make a strong case for the French lifestyle.
The authors go on to cite things that Americans can learn from the French. They mention eating smaller portions and eating less fast food, but their top three recommendations seem so easy and basic that most Americans should be able to accomplish them. - The first recommendation is to consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Approximately 44% of French people do this compared to only 24% of Americans.
- The second recommendation is to drink less than 1 glass of sweetened beverage per day. Approximately 70% of the French do this compared to only 37% of Americans.
- Third, they recommend brisk walking 30 minutes per day. Approximately 65% of the French do this compared to only 50% of Americans.
These seem like very simple and basic recommendations, however following them could really help decrease obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. As Americans, we need to find ways to improve our overall health. The government spends an enormous amount of time and money on various health initiatives every year with minimal results. In fact, over the past 30 years our overall health has worsened. It just may be time to look to the French for tips on a healthy lifestyle. What do you think?
- Jennifer
If you haven’t heard yet, one of our long time bloggers and dear friends Joseé moved to France a few months ago. I’m excited to announce that she has started her own blog to document all her new experiences living the Mediterranean lifestyle on the Mediterranean. We here at Sensei Talks will miss her very much and wish her all the best! For more on the French way life, be sure to stop by Joseé’s blog Med on the Med.
If you like this article, you might also enjoy…
Sensei Talks: Mediterranean Diet & Colorful Foods for Better Health
Sensei Talks: Mediterranean Diet Saves Lives!
Labels: healthy living, Jennifer, Mediterranean Diet
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, June 11, 2010   |
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| 5 Comments: |
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Hello from the French Riviera!
Indeed I moved to France 1.5 months ago to live the Mediterranean lifestyle. I talked about it for so long, that I decided to move on the Mediterranean shore or as we say:'sur la Cote d'Azur'.
One striking difference is how people don't stress so much about work. They have at least 1.5 hour lunch and they don't run errands during that time as most stores are closed. They take time to enjoy an expresso a couple times a day, have a little 'apero'(drink) before dinner and they enjoy walking outside. They eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and like Jennifer said; the portion size are so much smaller than in America. There are no doggy bags here. But i have to admit that I see more processed food than before and i really don't like it. But it is lovely here. I miss my friends at Sensei but good thing for the internet.
With the Euro being so low compared to the American dollars, it would be the perfect time to visit France and see and taste, what it's all about of you haven't done it yet.
Actually the picture, looks exactly like the ones I take at my little market.
Alors, Santé les amis!
Josée
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The picture is actually from a market in Nice. At least that's what it said on Flickr :)
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And you mean to say people don't sit at their desk and eat while the work through lunch?
Hmmmm...
- Lauren
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Lauren, you mean like I used to? But at least I was eating the perfect Mediterranean lunch: fish and tons of colorful vegetables.
I am ashamed to admit that I still work while I have lunch here too!!! But at least, I have a glass of red wine with my lunch...
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As a French, I had always been astonished by the portion size in the United States. A few years ago, when I lived in the US, I never understood at the time how sweet beverages could be cheaper than bottled water: is it because of this that Americans drink more sweetened beverages than French? I'm walking everyday to go to work: I never understood why some Americans had to drive to go to a place that is only at one mile. I even remember when living in the US that one day I was looking for a "whole milk" yogurt (with all the fat) and could only find fat free yogurt, but the size of the American portion was the equivalent of 4 French yogurt portions...what is the purpose to make something fat free, if its size is bigger? Well, that's only some of the differences I found...
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Hello from the French Riviera!
Indeed I moved to France 1.5 months ago to live the Mediterranean lifestyle. I talked about it for so long, that I decided to move on the Mediterranean shore or as we say:'sur la Cote d'Azur'.
One striking difference is how people don't stress so much about work. They have at least 1.5 hour lunch and they don't run errands during that time as most stores are closed. They take time to enjoy an expresso a couple times a day, have a little 'apero'(drink) before dinner and they enjoy walking outside. They eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and like Jennifer said; the portion size are so much smaller than in America. There are no doggy bags here. But i have to admit that I see more processed food than before and i really don't like it. But it is lovely here. I miss my friends at Sensei but good thing for the internet.
With the Euro being so low compared to the American dollars, it would be the perfect time to visit France and see and taste, what it's all about of you haven't done it yet.
Actually the picture, looks exactly like the ones I take at my little market.
Alors, Santé les amis!
Josée