The topic “the French Paradox” was being debated all across the Western world for many years; nonetheless, there are also other nations where Europeans appear slim and athletic, like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Scandinavia. Unlike Americans, who concentrate on dieting and workouts, Europeans have found how to be slim thanks to traditions and an approach toward leading healthy lifestyles. Europeans were able to stay slim for a long time since physical activities, together with eating, had become an inherent part of their lives, and so there was no necessity to force themselves to stay fit.
Incidental Exercise and the Pedestrian Lifestyle
In opposition to US cities that rely predominantly on motor vehicles, European cities are more oriented toward cycling and walking. Daily trips to offices, walking to local markets, or subway stairs allow Europeans to spend up to thousands of “incidental steps”.
The Practice of Eating Slowly
It is customary to spend an hour or even more eating slowly and engaging in conversation with one’s companions at the table. Such an approach allows time for the stomach to send the brain the message that it has had enough to eat- a chemical reaction that occurs within twenty minutes.
Controlled Portions through Tradition, not Force
Portions served in Europe are significantly smaller compared to those in the United States. Plates are smaller, drinks come in reasonable glasses with no free refills, and meat serves primarily as a complement to the meal, not its main component.
Regular Shopping for Fresh Foods
Unlike North Americans, who make one enormous grocery shopping excursion every other week in a hypermarket located outside of the city center to load up on frozen foods and boxed items, Europeans go to the grocery store regularly to purchase fresh ingredients needed to prepare several meals.
No Diet Culture Mentality
There is no obsession in European countries with words such as “keto,” “low-carb,” or “guilt-free.” Instead of labeling different foods as “good” or “bad” and creating mental blocks that cause people to deprive themselves of certain foods to later binge eat them, Europeans see all actual foods as nourishment for their bodies.
Control of Fast Foods
Even though fast food from international fast-food companies operates in Europe, their presence is highly regulated. They do not occupy most of the culinary sector; rather, they are a special treat that people rarely have.
Sparkling Drinks over Sugary Liquids
Water or even sparkling drinks serve as a standard beverage for Europeans. There are no gigantic coffees or tea drinks or even supersized soft drinks consumed on a daily basis by Europeans. This eliminates one of the main sources of hidden sugars in Europe’s diet.
Higher Food Regulations & Ban on Certain Ingredients
The rules and regulations governing food production and agriculture in Europe are much higher compared to those in the US. Hundreds of food ingredients that have been found to be responsible for metabolic imbalances and weight gain, among others, have been completely banned from use in Europe, thus making their food products naturally healthier.
