The Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan: The French Diet
One example of a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan comes from the French diet. Although the French follow the same dietary principles of the rest of the Mediterranean, their cuisine is much richer. They use more butter than olive oil in their recipes, for instance, and are also not afraid of other whole dairy fats like milk, cream and cheese. Yet despite eating these heavier fats, the French stay healthy because they practice a core principle of the Mediterranean diet -- moderation. Because whole dairy fats are so rich, you don't need to eat much to satisfy your hunger. That's why a buttery croissant or brioche and black coffee will satisfy the average Parisian until lunchtime.
The key with any Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan is to eat with intention. The French never eat until bursting. Only until they're satisfied. So if you really want that rich dessert, eat a light dinner that leaves you just a little hungry. You can also apply the same strategy at lunchtime. First, take your time. A rushed lunch often results in overeating and a mid-afternoon crash. Eat just until your satisfied. Then bring one or two pieces of rich, whole cheese and savor them slowly. This will not only extend your lunch, but it will also add a little extra fat that will give you energy for the rest of the afternoon. You can add even more "decadence" by rounding off your lunch with one or two small squares of chocolate. Avoid the stuff you see on TV and choose a quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead. The small amount caffeine and extra fat will help fuel the rest of your day.
Aside from these few food differences, the French still follow the same principles of the Mediterranean Diet. They eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains (usually breads) daily, and rarely eat red meat favoring fish, poultry and lean pork instead. I recommend starting with the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan and creating your own Mediterranean Diet like the French diet as a great way to stay healthy while exploring a whole new world of foods and flavors.
The key with any Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan is to eat with intention. The French never eat until bursting. Only until they're satisfied. So if you really want that rich dessert, eat a light dinner that leaves you just a little hungry. You can also apply the same strategy at lunchtime. First, take your time. A rushed lunch often results in overeating and a mid-afternoon crash. Eat just until your satisfied. Then bring one or two pieces of rich, whole cheese and savor them slowly. This will not only extend your lunch, but it will also add a little extra fat that will give you energy for the rest of the afternoon. You can add even more "decadence" by rounding off your lunch with one or two small squares of chocolate. Avoid the stuff you see on TV and choose a quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead. The small amount caffeine and extra fat will help fuel the rest of your day.
Aside from these few food differences, the French still follow the same principles of the Mediterranean Diet. They eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains (usually breads) daily, and rarely eat red meat favoring fish, poultry and lean pork instead. I recommend starting with the Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan and creating your own Mediterranean Diet like the French diet as a great way to stay healthy while exploring a whole new world of foods and flavors.
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