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The French formula: Enjoy your food = Enjoying your life

Updated: Aug 29, 2023



When I was writing Le Kitchen Cookbook: a Workbook I thought a lot about food and our attitudes toward what we eat. I read a research paper about our Attitudes to Food* and the role of food in life. . . . I thought the authors’ observation was worth repeating. But more importantly, I learned that a simple change in perception can change our lives.


They [Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania] noticed that Americans worry about what they put into their mouths; they fret about how it will affect their weight and their health. In the United States food is more a focus for worry than for pleasure.


The French, on the contrary, associate food with pleasure. They define healthy eating in terms of balance, variety, and freshness.


The authors noticed that because Americans worry and obsess about healthy foods and the effects they might have on their bodies, the result of this concern is actually counterproductive and causes a substantial reduction in the quality of life.


Finally, the study concluded that the more we enjoy our meals, the more pleasurable our lives will be.


That is a powerful statement!


Our attitudes toward food are essential to how we feel from day to day.


Imagine looking forward to your daily meals, knowing that the food you are eating is not only good for you but it will make you feel happy.


Be joyous and thankful. Before you eat, take a moment to smile and be grateful for the nourishment you are about to take in. Know that the good healthy food is a gift you are giving to your body. Not poison that you need to resist.


What a wonderful way to live.



What about you?

Do you find eating stressful? Do you worry about what you eat? Are you willing to have a meal that is only about giving you pleasure? Tell us more.

Join the conversation.


 
 



 
“Adeline Olmer, Love it! Perfect holiday and new home gift. Thank you so much!”
–Kate Hartmann Flint

Le Kitchen Cookbook

A Workbook


Everything you need to know to be a good cook.

by Adeline M. Olmer






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Bon Appétit
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Sep 11, 2023
Rated 3 out of 5 stars.

OK I found this now - it is way down at the bottom. Wonder if there is a way to move it closer to the top? Just an idea. Thanks tulis

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