French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of French Women Don't Get Fat
Book Review: French Women Don't Get Fat
Summary: 4 Stars
As many of you who know me personally are aware, I have lost since July 2009, about 40 lbs. following the Belly Fat Cure program by Jorge Cruise. I recommend that program, but was also interested in this book, primarily because my wife has not had similar experience on BFC. Also, I am aware that generally speaking, it seems for difficult for women to lose weight than men, and wanted to see if this book has any insight about that. Also, having begun to learn French at the age of 9 in elementary school, I am still somewhat of a francophile, especially when it comes to wine, food, and pleasure.
I read this book in two sittings, one long and one short, because I wanted to finish it quickly so I would not interfere with my wife's "getting on with it". The author, Mirielle Guiliano, former CEO of Clicquot, Inc.(LVMH)recounts her personal story about how as an adolescent came to look like a "sack of potatoes" in the eyes of her father. She takes us through the thoughtful and kind prescription of her "Dr. Miracle" who helped her gain control of herself, recognize her "petits demons" and take charge over her eating, her pleasures, and her life.
I found the book to be an enjoyable read with sound advice for men and women of all ages and nationalities. Guiliano speaks of an approach based in self awareness, understanding foods, wine, and "offenders" and what makes the needle move for you. She does not advocate dieting as Americans understand it (deprivation for a limited period of time with short term dubious results) or excessive exercise (three hour gym poundings on machines that resemble weaponry; but instead promotes a systematic, incremental approach to reducing and eliminating the foods that cause weight gain, and adding regular walking, water, and self dicipline to your routine. At the same time, she favors allowing yourself the basic pleasures of food and wine (including champagne, of course) with the awareness that indulgence today will have a cost of reducing or abstaining tomorrow.
The version of the book I read is chocked full of recipes to assist people in converting themselves from fattening, unfulfilling junk food eaters into conneiseurs of what is best for you: real, good food properly prepared.
With the exception of the fact that her recipes and approach likely contains a little too much sugar for those who are serious about losing weight regularly, I found this book to be basically sound and consisten with the principles that have enabled me to successfully lose weight. I would still recommend the Belly Fat Cure by Jorge Cruise over this book, if you were to buy only one. That said, I think this book is a good supplement to the BFC program and especially offers a woman's perspective that many (men and women) will find useful.
Enjoy this book.
Book Review: French Women Don't Get Fat had a great impact on my thinking.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book had a great impact on my thinking about food preparation, menus and the size of servings. The main ideas in this book that I focus on are these: use produce that is in season because it has more flavor, eat smaller portions, eat lots of vegetables, pay attention to your food as you eat (don't watch TV or read while eating), nothing is off limits but eat in moderation. My husband has lost 15 pounds in just two months and I have lost 7 pounds and my meals are better and tastier. We never feel deprived. The author talks a lot about her mother's homemade soups, and that reminded me of just how good they can be. Since reading this book I've dug out old recipes and discovered others in mostly unused sections of my cookbook collection and have made soup at least once a week. It's true, as she states, that if you're eating truly good tasting food, you don't need to eat so much to feel satisfied. I've always said that I've never had a bad meal in France, and now I know why.Book Review: Fun
Summary: 3 Stars
Always wondered why French women don't get fat and now I know! What fun reading with some great insights into good eating habits, but at the same time having a healthy attitude to food. This book helps bring back the fun in eating and not worrying about all the negativity that is attached to eating these days.
Dr Gunta Krumins-Caldwell author of On Silver Wings
Book Review: Good sense.
Summary: 4 Stars
This book echos my views, and it's good to read them when I need a tuneup of how I'm doing with my nutrition and life. It just makes sense. Diets don't work. Well maybe except Weight Watchers, but that is also a lifetime change.
I love the idea of enjoying all great food, but changing how it's enjoyed and in what amounts. I really agree with not making a habit of sugar free and fat free.
I don't feel this book is condescending to Americans and a snooty idea of French is better either. We have bad eating habits and not enough moving. It's just a fact. Maybe some sweeping generalizations are made, but they make good sense.
I totally disagree however with 48 hours of leek soup only. Just not healthy. So, when I did it I did the alternative soup with more veggies and I had eggs, fish, chicken in the amounts needed to meet protein requirements of 48 hours. I can't do veggie only for that long and not get dizzy and too weak.
Doing this I'm down 10 pounds from where I started these changes, or rather got back to it, and find I can keep it up (mostly, who doesn't have more indulgent days) and enjoy food and life!
Book Review: Great Book - Great vendor
Summary: 5 Stars
Hi,
This is a great book with insights and recipes. It really helps one understand the difference in lifestyles and diet between the French and most North Americans. I was particularly impressed with the service from the vendor. I will post those comments separately