Join me in Chateauneuf du Pape — our first episode abroad, to learn about the origins of The Nourishment Mindset. The French revere and savor food, and I respect and love this aspect of their culture.
I first came to France during a college study abroad semester and instantly noticed the gorgeous, stylish and trim Parisians. There is absolutely a joie de vivre here, and for this 20 year-old a je ne sais quoi regarding food. At the time, I saw food as calories to be counted, managed and burned. (And I did plenty of that walking and running all over Paris as well as lifting the pair of 8-lb. weights I dragged along.) This culture enjoys food, spends plenty of time à la table (and not so much in the gym), and seems happier and healthier for it.
In America, we call it “The French Paradox” because there’s just no way a culture could enjoy delicious, rich foods and remain effortlessly petit. Gotta be something about their superior genes, right? Or the fact that they walk more than us, perhaps? WRONG.
I’m grateful to have spent plenty of time in France over the last 25 years, both for pleasure and work, and I’m here to tell you there is no French paradox. Zee French “secret sauce” is fabulously simple: 1) focus on procuring and preparing real, whole, fresh foods — great ingredients; and 2) savor them in a leisurely manner à la table. There are of course other factors, such as many fewer addictive and inflammatory additives in French food. And the lack of gi-hugic pantries!
Here you palate can dance during dinner and remain satiated and happy when you’re done. There’s no need to snack because you’re nourished, and therefore no blood sugar roller coaster ride.
Tune in here, on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to learn more. Or watch on Youtube for some fun footage of our home and market here!
PS - if you’re looking to stay and “study” food in France, consider one of our partnership’s homes.
Live from Provence, France