Gourmet diet review

handbag.com health and fitness: The gourmet diet. We review the gourmet diet

Mireille Guiliano, a leading French businesswoman who heads up the US office of Champagne house Veuve Clicquot, was so unimpressed by the unhealthy diet she ate and consequent weight gain while in America that she sat down and analysed why French women never seem to get fat.

The method
The method is based on eating habits. French women (and men) eat three meals a day and often foods deemed to be fattening, like cheese, charcuterie and even croissants and yet always seem so lean. Why?

Does it work?
The secret, says Mireille, is portion control, the fact that French women do not skip meals and they can have up to three courses – starters, main courses and desserts. They eat with their heads and don't leave the table feeling stuffed, unlike Americans, who seem to eat at least a third more food than they need. The recipes are simple, chic and delicious, with lots of fresh vegetables, salads and fruit. There is even a section on how to start your kids on the correct eating habits.

Pros
The diet for those who love good food, with no complicated programmes to work out. The book is a great read - which you must, from cover to cover. It is chic, funny and wise - no talk of kilos (or pounds).

Cons
No dramatic, immediate weight loss. Your food budget may increase, as it advocates buying good-quality produce.

Buy the book
French Women Don't Get Fat, by Mireille Guiliano, published by Chatto and Windus, £12.