Courtesy of Pexels
It is rare to think of French women and not wonder how they stay thin if they’re surrounded by croissants and other mouth-watering pastries on a daily basis. Well, to clear things up, the idea that all French women are stick thin is a myth. And hey, I’m guilty as charged for once believing it too. Don’t get me wrong, French women do have healthy appearances, and they do indulge. However, they’ve mastered the art of indulging in moderation.
This is something I could have learned to do during my time in Paris, but as an American woman, I wasn’t used to the temptation of a Boulangerie full of decadent treats right under my apartment.
So I splurged!
French women make smart choices about what they eat most of the time. Below are some of the stereotypical meals French women are believed to eat versus some actual meals in their daily diets: (brioche and cheese included)
1. Breakfast:
Myth: “Pain au chocolat” (chocolate filled croissant)
Courtesy of Stijn Nieuwendijk
Reality: Brioche with butter and honey, bowl of fruit, herbal tea or coffee
Courtesy of Pexels
2. Lunch:
Myth: Ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette
Courtesy of Pixabay
Reality: Salmon with avocado, salad and two pieces of fruit
Courtesy of SORMUIJAI
3. Snack:
Myth: Baguette and butter
Courtesy of Tim Roth
Reality: Apple or small chocolate brioche and herbal tea
Courtesy of Max Pixel
4. Dinner:
Myth: Steak and French fries
Courtesy of Krista
Reality: A bit of charcuterie, capers, cheese, bread, and fruit or homemade veggie soup
Courtesy of Pexels
5. Dessert:
Myth: Nutella filled crêpe
Courtesy of Su-Lin
Reality: Cheese or sweet (i.e.spoonful of chestnut cream or dark chocolate); never both!
Courtesy of Pixabay
This diet doesn’t mean French women don’t occasionally enjoy some steak and fries or crêpes, but as you can see, they do know a thing or two about balance. Hey, if this is what it takes to look healthy and feel good, then I’m in! Give it a try and let me know if it works for you!
Bon Chic. Bon Appétit. 
I really enjoy reading your blog! I always wondering why French women are so skinny even though they eat a lot of desserts. Now I understand why！Keeping fit is always hard. However, I think you provide us a really good and healthy diet recipes. Thanks for sharing!
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I like the comparison between the expectation vs. the reality. The pictures are making me really hungry and I would eat everything on that list so please less of those because I need to stay healthy too.
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This post is phenomenal! I loved the myth vs. reality idea– so interesting and telling of the French lifestyle!
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I love the way you presented this with the myth vs. reality. Very interesting! I also love the layout and overall look of your blog. The colors are warm and inviting and I love the fade you put on some of the pictures.
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