Paris on Weight Watchers
Dec 7th, 2001, 11:16 AM
#2
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Fruit and great coffee for breakfast
Salad and pate for lunch
Dinner-pig out~atleast within reason
It isn't as hard as you might think, there are a lot of thin French people for some reason! I love having roast chicken,salads,fresh seafood,not everything is buried in sauces,but everything tastes good! Just watch out for the patisseries!
Salad and pate for lunch
Dinner-pig out~atleast within reason
It isn't as hard as you might think, there are a lot of thin French people for some reason! I love having roast chicken,salads,fresh seafood,not everything is buried in sauces,but everything tastes good! Just watch out for the patisseries!
Dec 7th, 2001, 11:17 AM
#3
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Dear MsP,
Congratulations on your weight loss.
The tricks to keeping it off include a lot of exercise, which you should get in Paris from walking and climbing stairs. (If you can do those in Montmartre without panting, you are truly in good cardiac condition.) My advice would include eating a lot of salads, "sans viande", so ham doesn't find its way into the greens you eat. Also seafoods, as long as they're not in a cream sauce, should help you maintain your regime. Small, small, small portions of cheese are in the realm of possibility, as is delicious french bread. Soups, again, as long as not cream-based, may help. Stay away from pain au chocolat every day, and if you must indulge, do it only once. The French are great for having fruit desserts, so you should not feel as though you need to deny or deprive yourself.
Best wishes,
BC
Congratulations on your weight loss.
The tricks to keeping it off include a lot of exercise, which you should get in Paris from walking and climbing stairs. (If you can do those in Montmartre without panting, you are truly in good cardiac condition.) My advice would include eating a lot of salads, "sans viande", so ham doesn't find its way into the greens you eat. Also seafoods, as long as they're not in a cream sauce, should help you maintain your regime. Small, small, small portions of cheese are in the realm of possibility, as is delicious french bread. Soups, again, as long as not cream-based, may help. Stay away from pain au chocolat every day, and if you must indulge, do it only once. The French are great for having fruit desserts, so you should not feel as though you need to deny or deprive yourself.
Best wishes,
BC
Dec 7th, 2001, 11:25 AM
#4
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Miss Piggy, do you know the last time I was in France I ate like a hog and lost 7 lbs.? I drank bottle after bottle of Champagne, ate foie gras and eclairs! The reason I think I lost the weight was because of all the walking I did while I was there. So just keep on the go and you should be all right.
Dec 7th, 2001, 11:31 AM
#5
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Ms. Piggy: I hear you! A couple of good things: portions in Europe are smaller than portions in the U.S., so you can eat somewhat richer foods and not go "hog wild" so to speak. Also, if you order poulet roti (roast chicken), it's normally served with fries but it's often easy to subsitute a salad for the fries. Ask the waiter, they'll usually accommodate this simple request.
Dec 7th, 2001, 11:34 AM
#6
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I think you will find it easier than expect. You will do a lot of walking. Wonderful fruits and vegetables are plentiful, as are coffees & teas (to warm you) or juices (and of course there’s always Coca Cola Light). Everything is so satisfying and packed with taste; you do not need large portions.
Dec 7th, 2001, 02:15 PM
#7
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For drinks, try all the bottled waters. There are bubbly waters (like Badoit) that taste good, no calories, and have "therapeutic benefits".
Many dinner menus that include dessert offer a fruit selection. Or, and this is not a joke, my girlfriend's dad does this, order salad to be served at dessert.
All cartes ("menu" in English) offer descriptions of the dish; most are REALLY descriptive so you know if it's cooked in a cream and sherry sauce, or if it's served with a reduced wine sauce.
French salads are a lot more interesting than the iceberg lettuce/radish/one cherry tomato variety served in the U.S. Things like celery root and marinated beets show up.
Unless you're staying at a hotel that caters to Americans, you'll be hard-pressed to get cereal/granola/yogurt served at breakfast. Breakfast is coffee/tea/hot chocolate with croissants and/or bread with butter and preserves. If you usually do the granola/yogurt thing for breakfast, you can always buy it in a market.
And you can find markets everywhere - either the street variety, or supermarkets (Franprix comes to mind), or little grocery stores in every neighborhood (like Circle K or 7-11, except not a chain and more stuff like produce).
Many dinner menus that include dessert offer a fruit selection. Or, and this is not a joke, my girlfriend's dad does this, order salad to be served at dessert.
All cartes ("menu" in English) offer descriptions of the dish; most are REALLY descriptive so you know if it's cooked in a cream and sherry sauce, or if it's served with a reduced wine sauce.
French salads are a lot more interesting than the iceberg lettuce/radish/one cherry tomato variety served in the U.S. Things like celery root and marinated beets show up.
Unless you're staying at a hotel that caters to Americans, you'll be hard-pressed to get cereal/granola/yogurt served at breakfast. Breakfast is coffee/tea/hot chocolate with croissants and/or bread with butter and preserves. If you usually do the granola/yogurt thing for breakfast, you can always buy it in a market.
And you can find markets everywhere - either the street variety, or supermarkets (Franprix comes to mind), or little grocery stores in every neighborhood (like Circle K or 7-11, except not a chain and more stuff like produce).
Dec 7th, 2001, 04:05 PM
#8
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On one of our trips to Paris, I was happy with my weight when we got there so I never watched what I ate..and I must say,I was a little piggy too! When we got home, I said, boy I can't wait to get on that scale and see how much I gained. I lost 5 pounds..You cannot walk that much and gain weight! also, there is no between meal snacking,unless,pain au chocolate makes it's way into your daily routine.(it did mine But, as someone said, the food tastes better in Paris,fresh,and full of flavor, so you can eat it plain and enjoy it.Have a great time!Bon Appetit~M
But, as someone said, the food tastes better in Paris,fresh,and full of flavor, so you can eat it plain and enjoy it.Have a great time!Bon Appetit~M
Dec 7th, 2001, 05:19 PM
#9
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I agree with the previous posters: I think you'll be delighted to see an actual decline in weight (I guess we're all assuming, of course, that the weather is good enough during your trip to keep you tromping around the city for lots of hours of the day, as we always do.) I know that, at home, it's not my main courses that put the weight on - it's the stress-fighting junk food/candy bars. You'll be surrounded by such wonderful, fresh foods that junk won't be part of the day (from my experience). Plus, I rarely eat beef there, since the chicken and seafoods/fishes are just the best! And the salads are so fresh....rats! I need another trip to Paris *now*!
So - have fun, walk lots, think fresh fruits & veggies/salads, healthy main courses, bread with no butter in the evenings - you too will lose weight!
So - have fun, walk lots, think fresh fruits & veggies/salads, healthy main courses, bread with no butter in the evenings - you too will lose weight!
Dec 7th, 2001, 07:39 PM
#10
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I was watching my weight (I had lost quite a bit before the trip) when I went to Europe for about 3 1/2 weeks last August. I really was determined not to worry about every calorie--but not to end up sabotaging my diet. Due to all the walking, I came home 2-4 lbs heavier but I took it off right away.
Just don't go to those 5 course restaurants every night and try to stay away from dessert. When I went to Brussels for the day from Paris, I did not buy a box of chocolates. I bought just two to taste. Just be reasonable and you should be OK.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
Just don't go to those 5 course restaurants every night and try to stay away from dessert. When I went to Brussels for the day from Paris, I did not buy a box of chocolates. I bought just two to taste. Just be reasonable and you should be OK.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
Dec 8th, 2001, 07:06 AM
#11
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I think it's wonderful that people do so much walking on their trips, and I've seen many posts from people who say they didn't gain weight, or even lost it on vacation, because they are so much more active when away? Isn't it a sad comment on how little exercise/activity those same people are getting at home? Giving up an hour of TV at home and exercising would make a world of difference year round.
Dec 8th, 2001, 02:59 PM
#13
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To the Poster Ms. Piggy-- I was also dieting prior to going to Paris last August-- I ate whatever (and drank whatever) I wanted. After 3 weeks in France, I came home about 4 pounds lighter then when I left. Again, thanks to the exercise! One day, we left our hotel at 8:45AM and returned at 6:15PM after walking through the Louvre all day! We traveled south after Paris, but kept up the exercise, seeing as much as you can includes lots of walking.
To: Author: xx ([email protected])-- with the "sad commentary" ...when I'm at home, I have to work 8 hours a day...I'd love to be out walking, but some of us have to work to be able to afford our trips to Europe!
To: Author: xx ([email protected])-- with the "sad commentary" ...when I'm at home, I have to work 8 hours a day...I'd love to be out walking, but some of us have to work to be able to afford our trips to Europe!
Dec 8th, 2001, 03:31 PM
#14
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Kathy -
Good grief. Many people work MORE than 8 hours a day and manage to train for marathons, etc or do many other active, athletic things regularly - in fact, the vast majority of people out their participating in such things are ordinary people with limited free time. I think xxx's point was that for many sedentary people, the walking they do on these trips is a HUGE change from their ordinary routine, and that if they budgeted an hour or so a day (or even a few times a week) for exercise, they'd see results all the time, not just on vacation.
Good grief. Many people work MORE than 8 hours a day and manage to train for marathons, etc or do many other active, athletic things regularly - in fact, the vast majority of people out their participating in such things are ordinary people with limited free time. I think xxx's point was that for many sedentary people, the walking they do on these trips is a HUGE change from their ordinary routine, and that if they budgeted an hour or so a day (or even a few times a week) for exercise, they'd see results all the time, not just on vacation.
Dec 8th, 2001, 05:39 PM
#15
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I also stayed around the same weight during all of my trips to Paris. The key word is MODERATION, which in Paris you should have no problem with. Don't miss out on anything, including desserts! My favorite dessert on one trip was a selection of sorbets with a raspberry sauce. Fantastic! As another poster said, the flavors there are more intense and the portions somewhat smaller. A scoop of Ice cream here is about a cup on a cone, there is is around 1/3 of a cup. I am rambling, but, to reiterate...exercise MODERATION and enjoy Paris. Nothing is better!
Dec 8th, 2001, 10:23 PM
#16
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From a former Weight Watcher (gone astray) remember that portion control. I have not been to Pais as yet but will go this next June. Can't wait! Try to keep the amounts of bread down, as well as rich cream sauces etc. Everyone speaking of the fresh fruit and salads sounds good to me. I have a hard time with cheese and I know they serve a cheese course. Temptation! Congrats on your loss and I need to get back with it again. Disipline is the key! Good luck and have fun!
Dec 11th, 2001, 04:22 AM
#17
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Congrats Ms. Piggy!
I don't know about the Weight Watchers' point system, but I do know that I ate a lot of bread during my stay there and managed to lose 5 pounds -- exercise did it.
French food is very rarely fried. And I think the ingredients are much more fresh than the ones used in the US -- and they ARE less "processed" (those French lawmakers again). And portions are MUCH more reasonable -- if you go out for a drink in the middle of the afternoon, you are usually given a (ONE) serving of potato chips for 2 people to share.
Unless you go WAY overboard, you shouldn't lose your momentum. And as a former fattie, I have found that quality food is more satisfying than mediocre food. In other words, one of those choux does it for me -- for a week.
I don't know about the Weight Watchers' point system, but I do know that I ate a lot of bread during my stay there and managed to lose 5 pounds -- exercise did it.
French food is very rarely fried. And I think the ingredients are much more fresh than the ones used in the US -- and they ARE less "processed" (those French lawmakers again). And portions are MUCH more reasonable -- if you go out for a drink in the middle of the afternoon, you are usually given a (ONE) serving of potato chips for 2 people to share.
Unless you go WAY overboard, you shouldn't lose your momentum. And as a former fattie, I have found that quality food is more satisfying than mediocre food. In other words, one of those choux does it for me -- for a week.
Dec 11th, 2001, 06:41 AM
#18
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The main points from most of the replies on this topic are moderation and exercise. While I'm not on any weight loss plan I do have to watch my diet. I'm a Type 2 diabetic so I have to stay away from things high in sugar and carbohydrates. When I'm on vacation I found that I can enjoy a few things that I wouldn't dream of having at home. I'll share a piece of pastry with my wife or eat more bread than normal but I don't overdo it. The big difference on vacation is the amount of exercise I get. (Excercise helps keep my sugar low.) Spending six to eight hours a day walking is a lot different than sitting at a desk all day and a half hour of exercise after work. (This is not meant to be medical advice. It is a description of my experience. Talk with your doctor for medical advice.)
Dec 11th, 2001, 07:39 AM
#19
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Dear Ms. Piggy:
I am a nutrition nut. Not only do I figure out the percentages of protein, fat and carbs in all our meal planning, but I build in two snacks a day that fit our overall daily intake.
However, when we go to France--and we go often--all these plans are tossed away. I enjoy the butter on my tartine (a no-no at home), eat sausage, sip lots of wine, and nibble constantly on cheese.
And we always lose weight,
It's exactly as they say--you're walking your legs off at a nice Parisian clip, you're eating very small portions of emotionally satisfying food, and you're energized by your experience.
However, while I'm stressing "plan your itinerary, not your diet," there are a few cautions. Don't waste a calorie on your airline food. If they serve breakfast before you land in France, push it aside--even the "petite dejeuner" at the airport fast food counter would be immensely better. If you're going to try French chocolate and pastries, then you know the regs--that's your lunch or breakfast. You're there to experience, not to gorge.
I think you're going to be quite happy. Am currently experiencing "trip envy."
I am a nutrition nut. Not only do I figure out the percentages of protein, fat and carbs in all our meal planning, but I build in two snacks a day that fit our overall daily intake.
However, when we go to France--and we go often--all these plans are tossed away. I enjoy the butter on my tartine (a no-no at home), eat sausage, sip lots of wine, and nibble constantly on cheese.
And we always lose weight,
It's exactly as they say--you're walking your legs off at a nice Parisian clip, you're eating very small portions of emotionally satisfying food, and you're energized by your experience.
However, while I'm stressing "plan your itinerary, not your diet," there are a few cautions. Don't waste a calorie on your airline food. If they serve breakfast before you land in France, push it aside--even the "petite dejeuner" at the airport fast food counter would be immensely better. If you're going to try French chocolate and pastries, then you know the regs--that's your lunch or breakfast. You're there to experience, not to gorge.
I think you're going to be quite happy. Am currently experiencing "trip envy."
Dec 11th, 2001, 07:41 AM
#20
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Merci beaucoup! You all have great input and I guess the answer is to use the tools that I have learned to use so well over the past 6 months: that it is all about choices, I can have LOTS of some things and little of others. Write everything down so at the end of the day I can see and evaluate what I might do the same (or differently) the next day, and keep moving. It's pretty easy to enjoy anything in a great venue.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I'll let you know how it goes.
