Tray Bon: The Art Of Dining Parisian Style

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Some of my favorite foods are raw veggies, cheese, wine and some whole grain breads. And, while many would suggest that between the dairy, alcohol and carbs, I’m doing myself more harm than good. Yet, there’s another school of thought that applauds these eating habits. In fact, they are the staples of one of most European diets, in particular French fare.

In fact, according to nutrition specialists, despite the fine wine, cheese, and bread, obesity is much less prevalent in France than in North America and the U.S.; even if may of us are eating more salads than the Parisians.

And, the key reason is size, portion size that is. While many of us have been “conditioned” to believe that “bigger is better” and that we’ll fail to satisfy our appetite with smaller portions, but, say experts, that’s not the case, especially if we simply adjusted our eating habits to the French philosophy.

Besides being generally more active, even restaurants and other eateries, including fast food establishments in France serve smaller portions. And, studies suggest that most of us eat more, BECAUSE more is served and available. Not to mention that the French also eat more fruits and veggies. And, when it comes to meals, they spend more time eating than we do, a technique that allows you brain to ackowledge your stomach is filling up and/or full, and allowing you to eat less.

With that said, staying slim may be a matter of sticking to the “stringent” rules of fine dining in France.

1. Put less on your plate: Proceed with caution, not to serve yourself too little, but cutting back will no doubt do your body and your confidence good.

2. Savor the flavors: Try to serve lunch and dinner, or at least dinner in traditional French style, by dividing the meal into several smaller courses. According to experts this allows you mind to believe there’s actually more food than you’re really consuming. Plus, it allows your body and mind ample time to achieve satiation.

3. Appetizing Salads: Eat salad as an appetizer, separately, before your meal. And, consider serving fruit rather than dessert after the main course. Also, come to terms that all-you-can-eat is never a healthy option and unheard of in Paris. When eating out try to order a healthy appetizer plus a soup or salad and if you’re served an oversized portion, eat part of it, but pack the rest away and take it home. But, have the excess bagged before you “binge”.