Starting Over Talk - Peer Coaching Support Site

By Mireille Guiliano

Summary from the book jacket:

Stylish, convincing, wise, funny -- and just in time: the ultimate non-diet book, which could radically change the way you think and live.

French women don't get fat, but they do enjoy bread and pastry, wine, and regular three-course meals. Unlocking the simple secrets of this "French paradox" -- how they enjoy food while staying slim and healthy -- Mireille Guiliano gives us a charming, empowering take on health and eating for our times.

As a French teenager, Mireille went to America as an exchange student and came back fat. Fortunately, her kindly family physician came to the rescue. Reintroducing her to classic principles of French gastronomy plus time honored tricks of the local women, he helped restore her shape with a fresh understanding of food, drink, and living. The key? Not guilt or deprivation but learning how to get the most from the things you most enjoy. Mireille has ever since relished a life of indulgence without bulge, satisfying yen without yo-yo on three meals a day.

Now,in simple but potent strategies and edozens of recipes you'd swear were fattening, she reveals the ingredients for a lifetime of weight control -- from the emegency weekend remedy of Magical Leek Soup to everyday tricks like fooling yourself into contentment. Emphasizing freshness, variety, balance, and always pleasure, Mireille shows how virtually anyone can learn to eat, drink, and move like a French woman.

A natural raconteur, she illustrates her philosophy in cherished personal stories. She shows us other women discovering the wonders of "French in action," eating smarter and more joyfully.

For anyone who has slipped out of her Zone, missed the flight to South Beach, or accidentally let a carb pass her lips, here is a buoyant, positive way to stay trim, a culture's most precious secrets recast for the twenty-first century. A life of wine, bread -- even chocolate -- without girth or guilt? Pourquoi pas?


I loved this book... I first heard of this author on Oprah... her sense of humor, good advice... moderation really appealed to me.

She was on one of the morning news shows this morning talking about her new book... French Women for all Seasons... I plan to check it out.

Yes, I saw the author on Oprah some time ago as well and I really enjoyed/agreed with their philosophy. Smaller portions savored, (eating slowly) and walking as much as possible.

I'd thought about reading the book - thanks for reminding me!

Smaller portions and excercise has always been the way to go. It's not rocket science. And stay away from greasy fast food. I dunno...just seems pretty obvious to me.

Well there is a bit more to it. All the chemicals and hormones in the food we all eat contribute to obesity in the US. It's not that us fat people are just stupid or lazy.<br><br>Post edited by: Tara, at: 2006/11/01 21:15

Yes, Tara, you bring up a good point - we need to read our labels.

Susan Powter has a really good book on this, (&quot;Stop the Insanity&quot and as well has a philosophy I share with her: if you cannot pronounce it, (the ingredient in the food) then I don't eat it!

Seriously, our food is poisoned with chemicals and crap - I think this might be contributing to our kids &quot;maturing&quot; so much sooner.

Still, portion control and exercise are very important elements to the weight issues in this country.

There are chemicals in foods that aren't even on the labels. Just look at all the growth hormones that are put in so called natural products like meat and dairy. There are also more and more studies being done suggesting that parasites, viruses, etc can contribute to obesity.

Candida is something that is now being looked at as a contributor to obesity. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in our bodies and cause yeasts like Candida to grow. So it's not just the foods it's medication too.