While Fête Nationale, known as Bastille Day in the U.S., has passed, we’re continuing to celebrate French culture in this month’s edition of Eat This and That. French delights range from crêpes, quiche, and croissants to cassoulet, pâté, and confit; however, France’s monsieurs and mademoiselles are purported to be some of the world’s healthiest individuals. Statistically, the French population continues to fall behind the United States in obesity rates for both adults and children.

How is it that the rich cuisine laden with sugar, salt, and fat we so often associate with France still equates to a healthy culture? Well, for starters, France’s policy makers have removed vending machines from schools, taxed sugar-sweetened drinks, and banned free refills of those drinks in dining establishments and other places frequented by children. Secondly, Time and AARP researchers found that the French have dining habits instrumental in their wellness and longevity. Here are some of their findings we might consider for ourselves:

• Slowing down for satiety. The researchers found it common for French parents to teach their children to take small bites and savor what they chew. Taking time to linger over a dish helps avoid overconsumption because our brains need approximately 20 minutes before they can signal feelings of fullness. If we rush through our meal in five minutes, our bodies may still feel we need more to eat. Mindful chewing interspersed with conversation can help calorie control. 
• The social ingredient. Researchers also found there was more to a dining experience for the French than just food as fuel. For example, French citizens tend to stroll and then sit to catch up with a friend when they go for coffee or a meal. This is a strong contrast to hitting a drive through for a caffeine jolt en route to daycare and then work, only to eat lunch solo at a keyboard. Pairing a meal with exercise and human connection provides additional health benefits. 
• Defining “unhealthy” differently. Researchers found that the French deem choices like wine, cured meats, cheese, bread, red meat, grains, and dessert as enjoyable but less healthy choices. Less healthy choices in American culture are typically pulled from the processed snacks and treats and fast food categories. The latter classifications have more additives, preservatives, saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium levels than the former “less healthy” selections. In other words, the quintessential French picnic may be a wiser indulgence than, say, a burger and fries topped off with a milkshake or a pre-packaged Lunchables and Little Debbie snack cake.  
• Petite portioning. Research revealed, too, that the French rely less on snacking in between meals and often enjoy only one sizable meal per day: lunch. They also tend to use smaller plates and serving sizes overall. Those servings regularly contain more whole foods and fish and fewer processed and fried foods, too. 

Eating well, with a focus on wellness, is attainable with nearly every cuisine. It just requires moderation and a little nutrition savvy. As a certified nutritionist, I’ve learned that while caloric values matter, so do other considerations: sodium levels, added sugar, types and amounts of fat, cholesterol, vitamin and mineral content, and satiety for starters. The goal of “Eat This and That” is to help UP readers navigate the food and beverage scene in Charlotte, armed with enhanced dietary knowledge and confidence. We want to empower readers to attend to health goals while enjoying area restaurants. 

French cuisine is known for plenty of butter, cream, cheese, chocolate, and cured meat; however, French dining establishments also offer opportunities to try leaner preparations of shellfish and fish, hearty and heart-healthy soups and stews, as well as abundant salads dressed with housemade vinaigrettes. 

To help you along in your next dining adventure, here are healthier ordering options (our Eat This picks), as well as some indulgences (And That) to enjoy when visiting some French establishments in Charlotte. And, in true French fashion, we highlighted menu items from their biggest meal of the day: lunch. It’s okay every now and then to go for more decadent ingredients — just be aware that these preparations are typically going to be heavier in cholesterol, saturated fats, added sugar, and sodium. Savor them as the treats they are. All in all, a healthy relationship with food steers away from good/bad labels and focuses more on enjoying reasonable choices, with the occasional indulgence thrown in. Here’s our advice on what to feel good about, and what to save for special occasions.

Café Monte, SouthPark
Eat This: Tuna niçoise (with salad, egg, cucumber, French green beans, tomato, peppers)
And That: Duck Confit & Waffles (leg and thigh confit with apple and wild berry compotes)

Amelie’s, multiple locations
Eat This: Tomato and pesto or cucumber and avocado tartine (half-size, add a side of fruit or salad)
And That: Fig, bacon, and brie tartine (whole-size, add macarons for dessert) 

La Belle Helene, Uptown
Eat This: Veggie bistro sandwich with vadouvan curry cauliflower, cantal pimento cheese, tahini aioli (substitute arugula salad for pommes crisps)
And That: Steak frites (hanger steak, bearnaise, and fries)

Bistro La Bon, Plaza Midwood
Eat This: Small Plates Trio with sea scallops, stuffed peppadews, and grilled lamb chops
And That: Small Plates Trio with seafood mac & cheese, brie brûlée, pork belly

Stay tuned for the next edition of UP’s “Eat This and That” column, where I will examine a different dining out food focus. Have a request? Let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: The information contained here is of a general nature to provide research-backed educational content. It is not intended to offer professional medical diagnosis and treatment. While a certified nutritionist produced this article, your specific needs may or may not apply. Consult your team of professional healthcare providers with health concerns or questions.

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