Who didn't envy French women just a little when the book, French Women Don't Get Fat, was released? French women seemed to know a secret about eating that we didn't. The book inspired many women to take a new look at their diet. It also left us with the impression that French women had a special ability (or gene perhaps) that let them know how to eat good foods, yet not gain weight--a dream come true.
A new survey suggests that French women may not be as stellar at eating as we once thought. A survey by TNS Sofres Healthcare and Swiss pharmaceuticals company, Roche, suggests that 15.1 per cent of French women are classified as clinically obese. Approximately, 26 per cent fall into the overweight category. (Click here for more specifics results of this survey). Unfortunately, the French are noticing weight problems similar to those happening in America. It's likely that they will soon have a health crisis on their hands as well.
The women on The View this morning mused about the possible reasons for the results of this study. Like the rest of the world, food trends are changing world wide to convenience foods and fast food. This month a McCafe by McDonalds will be opening in the Louvre. It is quite symbolic. As fast food spreads, even to countries that value fine cuisine like France, there is a suspicious spike in weight issues. One could also say the same about Japan, which has had a proliferation of fast food over the past few years. Japan has also experienced an increase in a broad range of eating problems. This includes obesity but also anorexia and bulimia. We can't ignore that the environment around us does impact and contribute to mindless eating habits. Is that the entire reason? No, but it is definitely a factor.
One couldn't help but like Whoopie Goldberg's comical perspective on this. She suggested that French women are often overweight too but that their accent seems to help. In other words, there is something in the way that French women carry themselves with confidence and speak eloquently that makes a few extra pounds seem a little less significant. Whereas American women, who perceive themselves as overweight, are often overcome with shame and embarrassment of their body. Perhaps Whoopie was suggesting that how you handle being overweight is important and is impacted by the culture around you. Unfortunately, body dissatisfaction is the "norm" among American women (See www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more info on body image).
So, whether you live in American, France or anywhere in the world for that matter, you can't escape from mindless eating. The real key is not to diet but to learn how to eat food in a mindful way. This means being able to respond mindfully to an environment filled with fast food and junk food rather than react to it mindlessly.
So, take a close look around you. See what factors in your immediate environment add to your mindless eating? Do you have a candy dish on your desk? Have a pantry overflowing with tempting snacks? Keep unhealthy snacks available in the lunch room? Our homes and offices get so easily cluttered with foods that lead us right into mindless eating. You may not be able to move the nearest fast food restaurant, but you can make your immediate surroundings as mindful as possible. For more tips on mindful eating see: 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food and Eating Mindfully.
By Dr. Susan Albers www.eatingmindfully.com
