I find the French way fascinating.
The way the French woman thinks about diet and exercise.
I think many French women think about their bodies and how to get them in the best shape quite differently to the way I do.
There is an emphasis on product, machine and manipulation to contour and sculpt the body. I have always believed that consistent exercise, the type that can only be done solo, was the simple answer.
The French woman applies all three regimes together if she wants to improve and maintain her body. Diet, exercise and body contouring sessions hold equal importance.
Having my way for years, I have decided to add a little French interpretation to my routine.
The sudden change of heart came about because of the heat.
This summer in Provence has been relentless; we have had day after day of beautiful, but extreme heat. Combine these furnace like temperatures with the hardness of stone floors and I have legs that are heavy, painful and swollen. Circulation is non-existent; I was ready to try anything for a little light relief.
I was recommended to consult a therapist in the village who is a masseuse extraodinaire and understands all about lymphatic drainage and circulation. I did and subsequently started a rigorous session of massage, by hand and machine. At the same time I have been having long conversations with her about diet.
Diet the French way is slightly different.
She has suggested that I follow certain combinations, selections of food that will detoxify my painful legs and help them return to a happy state.
The routine is simple.
There are no revelations when it comes to sugar. Sugar is the temptress in our lives. Eat little sugar and more cooked vegetables; green as a preference. Fruit only at 11am and 4pm nothing earlier or later and no salad or uncooked vegetables at night. Lean protein often and a small amount of carbohydrate but earlier rather than later. If a baguette with a dollop of butter is a must-have; then breakfast it is, but without the jam.
Her mantra is moderation and timing.
This is not that different to my regular routine with the exception of cooked vegetables. I have always gone down the raw path, especially in the evenings. This French way means no salad at night. Daytime only. Vegetables may be eaten cool, salad style, but they must be cooked. The Holy Grail of diet food is green beans.
Haricot verts are the French woman’s best friend according to my girl.
But back to the massage.
The strenuous movement by hand and by machine is painful but provides relief. This French aesthetician truly believes that the body can be re-shaped if we work together. Massage won’t change a thing if our diet is not controlled and exercise not a regular feature in our lives.
I am following her suggestions and taking her lead. If nothing else the legs feel one thousand times better and our conversations are interesting enough to take my mind off the vice like pressure she manages to exert over my legs.
Does it makes a visible difference? I am yet to see. Have you tried the French way? xv
image loomis dean for life magazine 1957
