Bonjour!  I am a French teacher... and a complete francophile!  So what's the sitch on this blog?  I have been trying to lose 15-20 pounds in the past year and a half, but I haven't succeeded. So to better motivate myself, I'm gonna put a new spin on my weight-loss plan: all French, all the time!  This blog chronicles my meals, my progress, my good days, my bad ones, and will hopefully keep me accountable for everything I put in my mouth!  An experiment that will hopefully deliver results ... and will hopefully give you some inspiration, too!

Before I continue, I must debunk the following myth: "French food?  But it's so heavy and so high in calories!"  Reality check: NOT all of it is.  Having lived in France many times, I can tell you first-hand that a good 80% of French Cuisine is very good for you, nutritionally balanced, certainly satiating but not heavy at all.  In addition, the French never use any artificial man-made or processed ingredients in ANYTHING they make at home.  Ingredient quality is of utmost importance to the French, and they believe in eating well: a myriad of exploding flavors, tongue-teasing spices, a happy palate and a satisfied (not stuffed!) tummy.  It is never too little or too much - it is just right.

"But what about all those cakes and tartes and pastries?  And the chocolate?!" Sometimes, we just need a little something sweet ... it is very French to end a meal that caters to the desires of one's sweet tooth (and boy, do I have one!!!). Of course, the French tend to be most known for these heavy and much-beloved delicacies the world over.  But, once again, this does not characterize ALL French desserts.  Often, desserts can be rather light.  Some examples include baked pears poached in red wine, fresh figs with creme fraiche and lemon zest, fruit sorbet ... sometimes it may be something as simple as yogurt or morsels of fine, rich cheeses.  For those of you who need those pastries and other goodies, though... there is yet some hope!  Not all come in ginormous sizes.  Francilien profiteroles, fruit tartelettes, Norman sable cookies and Bordelais canneles and rhum babas are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and still satisfy your cravings. (Also, there is never anything wrong with a round of baguette and a spoonful of nutella!)  Bottom line: as long as you pay attention to portion sizes, you can have your cake and eat it, too (thank you, Mlle Antoinette!) for very few calories.

***Note - recipes to accompany each meal post!!!***

Remember that it is also important to stay active; that is very French, too.  Granted, they aren't as accustomed to going to the gym and lifting weights like Americans, but their lifestyles make up for it: they almost never drive and take public transportation or bike during the day; they carry pounds and pounds of groceries when they go to market; they often live in apartments with several flights of stairs; you get the idea.  Since our American society tends not to lend itself to those things, however, I am going to make it a point to exercise regularly.  Cancer and diabetes also runs in my family, so even more reason to couple exercise with sensible (but oh-so-delectable) eating.  Merci, la belle France!

Let's get started. Here are my stats:

6/30/12

Age:  26
Height:    5'8"
Weight to lose: 18 pounds

Workout RX:     Cardio and weight training 3-5 times per week

Allez, on y va! (Come on, let's go!)