How to lose weight in Paris?

KatiScarlet

I just got a job that will have me based in Paris for 75% of the time between Jan 1 and my wedding in September.  Besides the obvious logistical wedding issues (I'm breaking down and hiring a coordinator), I desperately need to lose about 60 - 80 lbs.  I've never been to Paris and other than the chocolate croissants and red wine that got me in this chubby mess, I don't know much about French food. 

Has anyone spent time in France, and can you tell me what to expect or look for in terms of making the best eating choices to lose the weight?  Any types of places I should keep an eye out for?  I plan to bring my workout DVDs and keep up the exercise, but the food unknowns scare me.

MyWedding13

I would start by walking everywhere, which is a good way to sight-see! Also, eat what you want but in moderation. When you start to deprive yourself is when you start to go crazy and possibly binge. Don't forget your veggies!

sister2groom

As far as diet goes, whatever you do you should probably stay away from sweets (that's pretty mucha  given on any diet though). And then if you've cutting down on pastries anyhow, I feel like it would be easiest to go low carb (because low calorie is just not going to happen in France), then you could still have good cheeses at least.

But I think the best thing about European food is that it's often eaten slower and in smaller portions, so that'll be your biggest help.

And walking is good too, walking is the only reason I kept off the freshman fifteen when I went off to college and started eating tons of junk. Get off the metro a couple stops early or don't take it all, depending on how close you are to work. Even if it's pretty far it will probably be the most enjoyable moderate excercise you'll ever do because of the view.

Myroni03

What about starting on Medifast, its a meal supplement diet meant for ppl that need to lose 20+ pounds. With the plan you eat 5 meal replacements that you buy from the company and one lean protein/green veggie meal. This could be a good way to save money as your out and about b/c you can carry your meal replacements with you and then either go to a restaurant for a lean meat/veggie dinner or make it at home.

My mom and I both decided to do the diet b/c we each had about 100lbs we would like to lose. We have been on the diet since Oct. and she's lost 31 lbs and I've lost 38lbs.

I know quite a bit of ppl that have used Medifast with success so thats why we decided to start it before the wedding. I just wished we would have started sooner.

LittleKatie13

Are you going to have access to a kitchen?  If so, just go to the grocery store and get lots of veggies and make some good salads for dinner and eat fruit and yogurt or whole grain bread for breakfast.  I would suggest doing that as much as possible.  Also, I would suggest using sparkpeople.com or weight watchers to track your intake so you can learn to better judge portion size.  The upside is that in Europe portion sizes are much smaller and you'll be walking a lot more.  GL!

FavoriteOne

French people buy fresh ingredients almost every day for their cooking. They also eat bread at every meal and still stay thin. They walk and bike a lot. I know it's impossible to find chocolate chips in Europe, so you won't have to worry about chocolate chip cookies! I'd maybe pick up a cookbook here that uses fresh ingredients for cooking, something from Jamie Oliver or Barefoot Contessa. Then focus on cooking fresh (bring your own measuring cups!!!) and walk a lot.

missfarar

I've never been overseas, and am jealous of your amazing opportunity!

I second the fresh veggies/fruit. Try to limit the amount of "fast food" if available. Stick to lean protein. Always have something in your purse that can be a quick and easy snack (nuts work well, almonds/peanuts/etc, carrots, apple, etc) on the run. Be sure to drink a lot of water!

FavoriteOne

France doesn't really have "fast food". They have McDonald's, but that's basically it. We had a French exchange student over the summer, and she told me about this. She was ASTOUNDED by all the different fast foods we have in America.

probablykate

Yeah I think you'll probably be better off food-wise than you are here!  There's actually a book called French Women Don't Get Fat!

AllyR75

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_lose-weight-paris?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:b7ab9e74-6ce0-4a85-9ad1-382f8878ac59Post:b92f6f3d-c93c-4aa7-9ac3-a0b96fb41e50">Re: How to lose weight in Paris?</a>:
[QUOTE]I would start by walking everywhere, which is a good way to sight-see! Also, eat what you want but in moderation. When you start to deprive yourself is when you start to go crazy and possibly binge. Don't forget your veggies!
Posted by MyWedding13[/QUOTE]

yes! I am also realllyyyyy jealous that you get this opportunity! i've always wanted to go to Paris!

KatiScarlet

Thanks everyone!  I'm already using sparkpeople.com and love it, so I plan to stick with that.  I won't have a car so I will certainly be walking everywhere.  I should be in an apartment and will make sure to find the closest markets so I can keep my fruits and veggies stocked.  I'm looking forward to the smaller portions.  That will make it even easier.  Wish me luck!

anne.azano

don't even try a crepe au nutella until it's your last day!  that was my downfall when I lived in france.  I'd say make friends with french people and eat as they do. I noticed when I lived in france that my french friends didn't over indulge, so you felt like the fat american pig if you did.  It's harder to reach for seconds if no one else is.  Indulge a bit (you're in europe, what a waste if you didn't enjoy the food!), but don't go nuts.  And, as PPs said, walk your butt off!    

Callmebetty

I'm so jealous of your opportunity!  I spent a bit of  time in Paris and absolutely can't wait to go back.  I would just stay away from the bread and cheese (seriously, by the end my friends and I were up to a baguette a day each), and try to grocery shop a lot, rather than go out.  

Also, something to think about, when I was over there I met a Canadian girl who had been living there for about a year.  She said that one of the things she noticed was that French people eat a lot of rich foods, but they pretty much only eat 3 filling meals with reasonable portions and don't snack at all.  She noticed that she gained weight at first because she was eating all the rich food and keeping her snacking habits as well. 

Other than that, like the PPs said, just try to walk a lot, take advantage of all the fresh produce sellers, and enjoy yourself!   

futurepivko

i have been to France. It is wonderful, im jealous i wanna go back so badly.

when we went, we just read the menu very carefully, and if we didnt know what something was, we would ask. they do eat a lot of eggs over there. eggs were offered or served pretty much at every meal, someway or somehow.  i didnt have a problem asking for a dressing on the side, or for something grilled (same as over here)

you can experience the country without having to binge eat everything in sight. there is SOOOOOO much to see and do in Paris. Like PPs said, walk or ride your bike wherever you go. GL!

MilitaryBride2Be

Going to Europe is actually much better than living int he US for weight loss In Paris you can walk and take the subway all over. Also the food is usually a lot more fresh and fast food isn't very popular except for in the tourist spots  (for the Americans lol).