The Fat Fallacy: Applying the French Diet to the American Lifestyle [Hardcover]

The French do not believe in regimens, or cutting things completely out of one's diet. The French eat fresh, real, natural food -- none of the preserved and processed foods that occupy the most space in any American grocery store. They eat sensible portions. They do not snack nearly as often as Americans. They generally walk more than we do. They enjoy and prize their meals, taking time to enjoy them. They love food, high-quality food.

Also, the French are generally not fat. They also don't generally have the bodies of magazine models, so don't expect dramatically quick changes, or that you will develop the "perfect" body. But if you'd like to become more familiar with a wholistic and healthy approach to eating, this book will teach you simple principles central to France's culture of eating.

I'll tell you something right now. French people live a drastically different lifestyle than we do. They walk 9 times out of ten to their destination...that's right, they leave the house on their feet! They don't indulge at every meal in the high fat pastries they make. They usually have fresh fruit for dessert. They spend 2 to 3 hours at every meal--not eating as much as they can, but enjoying what they're eating. They have a lot of sex. They eat SOME cheese. Not all the cheese. There is a big difference here. How do I know? Because I lived there for two years! People just don't live like Americans in France. (DUH.) We are a society of car drivers, all-you-can-eat buffeters and high-fat low-carb dessert eaters and you know it.

People in Scotland are not statistically overweight either, but they have one of the highest rates of heart attacks in the world. Think about that for a minute. (I'm amazed he didn't go over there and write a book about "Fish and Chips Freedom!")

All I want to get across here is some common sense and a plea: Please don't buy this book if you're having problems with eating. Especially if you want an excuse to eat whatever you like. Unfortunately for the rest of us, good eating and excercise are not a magic pill, but they sure make the journey worth taking.

Will Clower wants you to forget about carbs and fats, and look at food as a wholesome entity. Butter , cream , and cheese should not be seen as "fats", but as real foods that give flavor and variety to the meal.

This is not a diet, so it is not designed like a typical fad diet book. I don't even think he defines a portion size in the book.

Basically, you eat real foods-i.e if it grows from the ground or on a tree, or if it is pastured or farm raised, or comes from the sea, you can eat it! In other words, reject the fake foods that are manufactured in a lab, and put in boxes. Seasonal , fresh, quality foods. Forget the LOW FAT processed crap. EAT REAL FOODS with REAL FAT...at least you KNOW what's in there.

Secondly, you must eat with a new attitude or approach to the meal. SLOW DOWN, chew, eat with family and friends. ENJOY YOUR MEAL! Awareness is the key.

I suspect that this is not a flash diet that will cause you to drop 20 lbs in 30 days. You can lose some weight, but it will be more gradual, more natural. Some people have lost LOTS of fat, eating this way, and are at a very healthy weight.

It's amazing when you read that you can actually enjoy eggs, butter, cream, whoole milk, bread, wine, pasta, and chocolate along with creamy dressings for vegetables. It's so common sense, and practical. The key to enjoying this stuff is to eat smaller portions. Obviously that is the "catch", b/c you cannot expect to be slim on 1 cup of cream!

It may be an adjustment at first to go from super-size N. American portions, to French sized smaller portions. But ironically, that FAT in real food acts like a self limiting agent, causing you to be satisifed with LESS! Ever eaten a TUB of ICE CREAM only to feel SICK? But savour a small tea cup portion of the same ice cream, and it's wonderful, and you feel good. I have noticed how much energy I have, and how good I feel when I reduced my intake of certain foods. I would throw out half the bag of cashews, and drink only a quarter of my soda, and this was ENOUGH! I felt satisfied.

So again, this lifestyle is going to be a tough adjustment for people who like to gorge on 4 slices of pizza, and guzzle down a whole bottle of soda. Instead you will have to cut out the soda for sparkling water or wine, or iced tea perhaps, and eat one slice slowly, as part of a multi course meal. It's not about starving ourselves with tiny portions, it's about delighting in quality with moderation.

By focusing on the QUALITY of food, you also get lots of fruits and veggies by eating this way.

I highly recommend this book.