Canadian Men Don't Get Fat

I know it's not exactly breaking news, but I just NEED to talk about my obsession with Mireille Guiliano's wonderful books French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons. Released in 2004 and 2006 respectively, these wonderful books are meant to inspire North American women (and a few highly evolved men) to adopt a French-like "joie de vivre," and in turn trim their waistlines while enjoying the five senses to their fullest.

Unlike other diets that encourage restrictions or eliminations, Guiliano's credo is to enjoy the finest flavours available in moderation. For example, bread, chocolate and wine are all good things when they are truly savoured and of the utmost quality — "just say 'non' to mediocre bread," the author proclaims on her website. So simple, yet so effective. It's not as much a diet, really, as it is an shift in attitude. When you become a connoisseur of life, you live mindfully and consciously. And that's healthy for both your mind and your body.

These books explore another aspect of living that I find intriguing: creativity. You need to have a vivid imagination to live with flair. Eating good, whole foods can seem like a boring prospect to many people; however, if you think outside the box a little bit, the possibilities are endless. And as you open your mind to the world around you, what starts off as creative menus at home turns into curiosity about fashion, books, art and design. I guarantee it.

To add to the usefulness and pleasure of these books, the author shares many tips on balanced living with her readers, including many wonderful recipes. I have yet to try all of them, but several stick out, like this one for her wonderful vichyssoise:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 leeks, white parts only, minced

1 onion, peeled and minced

1/2 pound potatoes, peeled and diced

1 quart chicken stock

salt and freshly ground pepper

2 ounces sour cream

Dill for garnish

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and onions, and cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. Add the potatoes and the stock and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, partly covered.

2. Put through a vegetable mill, and then, if you want a very thin soup, through a chinois). Return the liquid to the pot, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring back to a boil, and whisk in the sour cream.

3. When the soup has cooled, refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Serve cold, preferably in coffee cups, and sprinkled with dill.

Courtesy of French Women for All Seasons (2006). For more recipes and a virtual treasure chest of information, visit www.frenchwomendontgetfat.com

I had a conversation yesterday with my best friend Natalie, and we both vowed to live with intention, no matter what the task, decision or action at hand. When we eat, what do we intend to accomplish? To gain nourishment, enjoyment and health — so when we plan or prepare our meals this is what we should have in mind. Nobody intends to gain weight, become lethargic or unhealthy from what he or she consumes. So why is that what we usually end up doing?

Living with intention isn't easy, but it's more enjoyable, and, of course, you have to act upon your good intention for it to count. I really hate the saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Whoever came up with that didn't acknowledge that good actions are bred from good intentions. We need to think first, then act. I imagine there are more people in hell that intended to to bad things in their lifetime than there are who intended to do good things.

This attitude also transfers to other areas of life — even style and shopping habits. When you wear something, what is your intention? Are you just throwing cloth on your back to protect you from the elements, or do you intend to look and feel good. My wonderful Grandmother Zayshley lived with great intention when it came to style. The new day was treated like a special event, and she dressed like the guest of honour. I love that about her — she must have some French in her.

When it all boils down, there is no magic rule of thumb, or guideline that will lead you to the path of joyous, creative living, at least not written by anyone else than you. You write the book as you go. And sometimes other books like French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons are great research for your own amazing manuscript.

note: the photos posted in this entry are courtesy of French Women Don't Get Fat (2004) and French Women for All Seasons (2006)