Cut Calories the French Way

A new study sheds interesting light on why the French don't seem to struggle with their weight the way Americans do, despite a diet heavy in the bread, butter, cheese, and wine. Oh la la!

So what's their secret? Apparently, the French simply know when it's time to stop. A study by Cornell Food Lab researchers examined the eating habits of 133 Parisians and 145 Chicagoans. The Parisians reported they knew they'd had enough when they "felt full" or when "the food stopped tasting good." These so-called "internal cues" helped them stop eating once their appetite was satisfied, keeping them from overeating. The Americans, on the other hand, reported they stopped when their plate was empty, their television show was over, or when those around them were done eating. As researchers suspected, such "external cues" were a poor way to gauge fullness, often resulting in overeating.

Put the discovery to use in your own life by tuning into your internal hunger, focusing on your food as you eat, pushing away the plate when you feel "full" and not eating in front of a television, computer, or while on the go. As for figuring out how you can wear a beret in public without feeling, well, silly, you're on your own!