Month: January 2019

Food Habits French kids don't throw food

French kids don’t ​throw food

France is often cited as the gastronomic capital of Europe, if not the world. Did you know that French cuisine has even earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List? And who could argue? It is fair to say that the French take their food pretty damn seriously.

From personal experience, the most striking difference between the UK and France in this regard is their attitude towards, and knowledge of, food. You are expected to know your camembert from your époisses and your cèpes from your champignons de Paris… Initially, this could be interpreted as snobbism but scratch the surface and you will discover genuine respect for food provenance and quality ingredients.

17% of French children (age 6-17) are overweight

French Ministry for Health 2015

When it comes to “les petits”, French children are often lauded as having fantastic eating habits. A 2015 study conducted by the French Ministry for Health showed that 17% of French children (age 6-17) were overweight and 4% were classed as obese. However, these figures are significantly less than the European average. Furthermore, this rate is stable in France. Whereas in the majority of countries the rate of childhood obesity is on the rise.

However, they are doing something better than us. What is it?

That said, as with all other European countries the French are dealing with an obesity epidemic – 17% of children are overweight. This is not insignificant. However, they are doing something better than us. What is it?

Being a cross-cultural family, my husband and I often find ourselves pulled in two different directions when it comes to many issues. However, I have to admit that when it comes to eating, we side more with French culture. So I have been pondering on what exactly it is that keeps the French achieving lower obesity rates? How can make practical changes in your own home to set a good example for your children? Well, here are my top 5 “food lessons we can learn from the French”. See if you agree…

1. The French eat together

Breakfast in France is not a bowl of cornflakes in front of Paw Patrol or a coffee gulped as you run out the door. Breakfast is a sit-down meal. Set the table. Warm the milk. For a strong start to the day, connect as a family and fill your belly French style. Dinner is the same. Mum and Dad sit with the kids. Everyone eats the same meal, at the same time – a bit later than in the UK and it just works. Their attitude? Don’t have time? Make some.

2. The French eat big meals

For me, this may be the cornerstone to French eating routines. A meal is a meal. It isn’t two slices of sliced white bread, plastic cheese and a limp leaf of lettuce. It is a warm dish with meat, vegetables, pasta or rice. Or a packed salad drizzled in olive oil. It is, above all, a pleasure. It rewards your body for its morning efforts and sets you up for the afternoon. This goes for kids as well – at school canteen and at home.

3. The French don’t snack

Clearly linked to eating consistent meals, you won’t see kids snacking all day long. Breakfast is hearty. Lunch is an affair. Your next official eating interval is at 4pm for your ‘goûter’. Since becoming a mother I have always implemented this. Yes, there are times when your kids are just starving and you give them a chunk of bread or fruit outside of meal-time. But really, a filling snack mid-afternoon should be sufficient to see you through. It is ok to be hungry sometimes.

4. The French eat in season

A big one and the one which is hardest to implement in the UK due to our lack of affordable local markets. The French respect the seasonal food calendar and tend to have favourite summer and winter recipes. This means fresher, higher nutrient content and reduced food miles. Endives in summer and ratatouille in winter? Snigger. Not sure what that even means? Check this website to see what is in season this month!

5. The French value quality

There is a reason the French high street is enduring better that ours. Bakers still line the streets and local butchers are not hard to find. And I think this is due to the value placed on quality ingredients. It is not unusual to spend a decent amount of your weekly wage on your meat, cheese (and wine). Food is a pleasure and not a fuel. With a starter, a side and a dessert (which could be plain yoghurt and fruit), you are not talking huge quantities of meat or key ingredients, making it an affordable method even for families. Plus, children are treated to little luxuries like local cheese and charcuterie, hors-d’oeuvres on special occasions and pastries from the patissier… Appreciation and portion control are the lessons here.

Of course, there will be French families who do not fit the above description exactly but I can tell you that they will be the exception to the rule. While UK and American influences are creeping in, I have faith that the French will maintain their strong foodie culture. It is doing them, and their children, the world of good. Moreover, if there is a culture which can stubbornly endure – it is the wonderful French.