The French Women Don't Get Fat Diet
What it is: The French Women Don’t Get Fat Diet is a three month “non diet” that is based on the idea that eating as French women do – namely, eating small portions, high quality foods and savoring each bite – will allow you to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
How it works: Author Mireille Guiliano believes that if American slow down their eating and take more pleasure in their dining experiences, their weight and health would benefit. This process will allow dieters to realize when they are full and they should stop eating.
What you do: The diet begins with a two day leek soup fast. After that, dieters are encouraged to eat meat or fish, vegetables and a piece of fruit while keeping a food journal to track calories. Guiliano encourages dieters to eat whole, nutritional ingredients, but does not forbid indulging in chocolate or wine, as long as the portions are controlled. The book also urges dieters to walk frequently for exercise.
Benefits: The meal plan allows dieters some flexibility in eating foods that they want and/or crave. Eating small portions and learning to fully enjoy each meal will help you control your food intake and maintain healthier eating habits.
The Down Side: Author Guiliano lacks professional nutrition and weight loss training and bases her assertions on her own experiences. Some experts complain that Guiliano does not have scientific evidence to back up some of her claims and some disagree with strategy of using a leek soup diet fast to start the diet.
