Culturally Illuminating

I've had the hardcopy for years but never got around to reading, thank goodness for audible!
I was expecting this to contain highly instructional lists as to what to eat and not eat. I didn't feel it did. The content is far more rounded to the enjoyment of life as a whole than being limited to food. As the book advises, it is for the individual to find their equilibrium. This is an enlightening education into the cultural attitudes of the French with comparisons against Western behaviour in the form of America, (due to the author's life situation). It is well worth the read and for onward recommendations. Once you have read, you'll forgive me for heading for a pizza with a glass of Champagne, you'll see! Bon appetite 🍾😉 And then onto the next book... French Women Don't Get Facelifts.

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Fascinating read

This works for men too!! Don’t know why I decided to buy this book other than curiosity and of course…. I’m fat!! A lovely read if you want a look into the French food culture and mindset around eating.

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Back to basics

After reading countess books on nutrition and research and so on I discovered the lovely Mireille who taught me something that I already knew but forgotten, at least the most of it. When I knew close to nothing about nutrition I was so much slimmer and my weight was controlled by small adjustments and intuition. My mum always taught me to eat small but good quality, her motto was” little but good”( she does not held a nutrition degree :)). Mireille reminded me how I should love food again, by miracle I already lost some weight by reintroducing pleasure in my life, yes that’s right. I pulled out my silk gown , had an excellent glass of good quality wine with blue cheese and grapes for pleasure( very important, eat for pleasure) :) as I was cooking the duck breast then finished with high quality chocolate truffles and more wine. Funny , when you eat rich ,high cocoa chocolate you can’t have too much ,Mireille was right.
It’s a must read , not research based more like a “ this is how we French do it”. Thank you Mireille, today I’m making the leek soup to jump start my weight loss.
PS: no longer have to give up sweets , alcohol and carbs . Translation : eat good quality high cocoa chocolate/ champagne , good wine and good quality fresh baked bread...for pleasure ..et voila ❤️❤️

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Common sense advice

A lot of helpful common sense advice. There are a number of recipes that can also be found on the author’s website.

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1 person found this helpful

Good advice and good narrator

The advice in the book made me stop and think. She gives tips and ideas which are very easy to put into practice, and there are enough personal anecdotes to make it a pleasant listen.

My only critiques are that the many lovely recipes in the book are tiresome to hear in audiobook format "step two - add salt and mix well...", and unless you are visually impaired this book might be better to read as a paper or digital book. Second, the narrator frequently uses French phrases that she does not translate. Some are commonplace or are cognates and easy to discern for us non French speakers, but I feel I missed some content because of this.

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Really Enjoyed

Really enjoyed this. Lots of useful information and some reminders. Also learned a few things. Would recommend.

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Inspiring

I liked this very practical guide to how French women approach drinking, eating and lifestyle balancing. In particular, I enjoyed how water, wine, soup, chocolate and bread and the senses all play their part. The age specific guidance is also invaluable for me, my parents and children.

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Addictive

I lost 6lbs just listening to this book. It's fantastic and the recipes are good also.

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2 people found this helpful

Really average

We know French women get fat as 22% of the population is. The French smoke and don't pick up dog poop! Let's chat about that!! I just found this really snooty, whimsical and unrealistic...... In essence it is just saying eat proper food and have portion control..... Yawn

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Dreadful

I thought this book was utter drivel. Annoyed that I wasted my money on it.

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1 person found this helpful