7 Tricks to Stay Thin From Europeans

You may have heard the phrase: “French women don’t get fat.” Frankly, I find it abrupt and provocative, but the truth is, it’s true.

In fact, most Europeans enjoy a nice silhouette, so they must be doing something right (Read on to find out what).

Don’t worry; I know their tricks. I spent about half of my life in Europe before coming to this great country and eventually becoming a proud American.

Today, it just so happens that I received the following email from a reader, so this is my chance to unveil the secrets.

“Hello Chef,
I purchased your Eat More Burn More cookbook and have made several delicious meals from it! I still don’t understand how European women can stay thin when they eat croissants, pasta, bread, etc… all the time! Unless, they make these things with the adjustments you suggest. And what about eating out?? Our family will be spending 2.5 weeks in Italy this month — eating in restaurants often!! Any advice at how we can successfully do this? How do I get around the croissant breakfasts and pasta??? Thank you!” — Lorine

(You can get a free 6 week meal plan here. Download it now)

Answer:
Great questions, Lorine.

You see, the more I spend time in the US, the more I understand the cultural differences between the US and Europe, as they relate to nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating.

How do European women keep their figure? Well, first, things are changing and the adoption of an American lifestyle by Europeans makes things a little harder for them. Nonetheless, there are details in their lifestyle that make a big difference I think.

Here they are:

1. Soft exercise is one of them (you walk everywhere in Europe).
2. Having longer meals and taking the time to enjoy, and have conversations at the dinner table.
   That also makes a difference (digestion takes more time, which helps).
3. The portions are smaller.
4. The food is more authentic and healthier as a general rule (less processed foods).
5. Europeans eat more fiber (more veggies, more nuts, seeds, less empty calories).
6. Pastries and sweets are usually enjoyed at the end of the meal.
7. Less fast food.

All this makes a huge difference. It makes the difference.

Overeat these foods and LOSE more weight

Lorine, I’ll be surprised if your family gains weight during your trip to Italy. Please let me know when you get back. I bet you’ll be all fine. Enjoy your trip, live like an Italian (enjoy the small portion of pasta as an “appetizer,” walk everywhere, eat what the locals put in front of you, have a glass of red wine daily, chit chat with your hosts…), and don’t worry so much about gaining weight.

In my experience, when my US relatives visit my family in France, they actually lose weight! The food there is actually much more fiber oriented, with less empty calories and less sugar. And that is exactly what I promote in my book Eat More, Burn More.

Have a good trip and let me know if I’m right. 🙂

That reminds me of my wife Carissa’s article on how she lost 20 pounds living with a French chef.

If you like these tips check out my Eat More, Burn More cookbook HERE (FREE SHIPPING!)