Bonjour! Are you ready for a culinary adventure in the romantic city of Paris? From croissants and macarons to escargot and foie gras- French cuisine is known for its indulgent, rich flavors. But did you know that there’s also a healthy side to French dining? In this post, we’ll explore how to enjoy the delectable world of French cuisine while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So grab your fork, put on your beret, and let’s indulge our love for food without worrying about unwanted calories or guilt!
Background on French Cuisine
French cuisine is known for its flavorful dishes and inventive methods. The dishes are often made with fresh, local ingredients. In fact, French chefs have been credited with introducing many of the classic cooking techniques used today, such as searing meats in a hot pan. Some key points to keep in mind when exploring French cuisine include:
-The use of herbs and spices is paramount in French cooking. Many famous French dishes – such as onion soup or steak tartare – rely on a sophisticated blend of herbs and spices to give them their distinct flavor.
-Another important aspect of French cuisine is the emphasis on quality ingredients. While not all items on the French menu need to be expensive, you’ll generally find that the food is high quality and carefully prepared.
If you’re looking to eat healthy while exploring French cuisine, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
-Most traditional French dishes are high in fat and calories. Be sure to read the nutritional information before ordering any dish, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
-Some restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, which can be a great way to avoid avoiding animal products altogether while enjoying French cuisine.
-Also remember to drink plenty of water while dining out; french meals are notorious for being dry!
The nutrients in French food
French cuisine is varied, nutritious, and a pleasure to eat – thanks in part to its careful selection of ingredients. French food can be considered healthy for those following a healthy eating plan, as many of the ingredients are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.
One of the reasons French food is so nutritious is that it relies heavily on fresh fruits and vegetables. The majority of meals include at least one vegetable dish, often cooked in a simple way or combined with fish or meat. Meals also generally include a moderate amount of whole grains and dairy products, which are both high in nutrients and low in calories.
While calorie intake is important when following a healthy eating plan, making sure to include plenty of antioxidants, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients will also help promote health. Some great examples of these nutrients are calcium, vitamin K, magnesium, potassium, thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), folate (folic acid), iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
In addition to dietary supplements available over-the-counter at most pharmacies, including some multivitamins with French herbs such as ginger or rosemary added for extra health benefits,[i] many chefs now offer vegan menus which are packed with nutrient-rich foods such as legumes or seed oils.
What are the health benefits of eating French food?
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy your time in Paris, then you should definitely check out the French food scene! Not only are the flavors complex and unique, but many of the recipes are also high in antioxidants and other health-promoting nutrients. Here are some of the benefits of eating French food:
1. French cuisine is full of antioxidants. In fact, it’s one of the highest in antioxidant content on a per serving basis of any cuisine. This is likely due to the use of fresh ingredients and spices.
2. French food is low in sugar. Many of the sweeteners used in French cooking are natural sugar substitutes like honey or maple syrup, which means you’ll be getting plenty of fiber as well as vitamins and minerals!
3. Many French dishes are high in fiber. This is especially important if you’re interested in maintaining a healthy weight or preventing developing diabetes or heart disease. Fiber helps to keep your digestive system moving smoothly and keeps you feeling fuller longer so you’re less likely to overindulge later on.
4. Many French foods have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar levels after eating them – something that can be helpful if you’re looking to reduce your risk for diabetes or weight gain/obesity.
How to order healthy French food in Paris
If you’re looking for delicious and healthy French food, you’re in luck! Paris is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, so finding somewhere to indulge will be a breeze. Here are some tips on how to order healthy French food:
When ordering wine, always ask for a glass of water with your wine. This will help to avoid overindulging in alcohol and ruining your liver.
When ordering Entrées (main courses), always start with a light salad or vegetable dish to balance out the heavy main course. Also, make sure to order smaller portions if you plan on eating something heavy like a steak or salmon dish.
Choose wisely when it comes to desserts! Try not to overindulge in rich and heavy desserts like tiramisu or chocolate cake.
Recipes for a Healthy French Diet
French cuisine is famously healthy, and there are many recipes that can be used as a template for a healthy French diet. Many of these recipes include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fish. Here are some recipes for a healthy French diet:
Roasted Garlic and Spinach Quiche:
Serves 4 -8 medium eggs
-1/4 cup milk
-1/4 cup diced onion
-1 tbsp minced garlic
-1/4 tsp salt
-Freshly ground black pepper to taste
-1 sheet frozen pie crust, defrosted before use
-2 cups baby spinach leaves (6 oz)
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
-In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour mixture into crust.
-Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
-Cool on a wire rack.
-Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
-Sprinkle spinach leaves over quiche before bake. Bake for 5 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
-Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continuing bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Pan Seared Salmon with Asparagus: Serves 4
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1/4 cup rice vinegar
-2 tsp honey
-1 tsp sesame oil
-1 clove garlic, minced
-1 inch ginger root, peeled and grated
-8 asparagus spears (6 in), ends snapped off
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
-4 salmon steaks (6 oz each) (You can buy top quality salmon here)
-2 tablespoons slivered fresh gingerroot (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
-1 green onion, sliced on the diagonal
Conclusion
In this guide to healthy eating in Paris, we explore the world of French cuisine and the benefits of sticking to its principles. Along with recipes for some of the most popular dishes from France, we provide tips on how to pick the right ingredients for a healthy diet and suggest ways to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste. Whether you are travelling to Paris for business or pleasure, our guide will help you make the most of your culinary experience while keeping your health top priority.
