If you are up to 30 lbs. overweight, love to eat, and hate gyms, French Women Don’t Get Fat is zee book for you. Here’s my review of this national best-selling book.
I read this book for the sheer pleasure of learning more about French culture. To my surprise, I was already doing many things French women do. But it makes sense. Because Romania is a Francophone nation, we grew up with many French ideas about life, liberty and the pursuit of good food.
Like a French/Francophone woman, I happen to hate gyms and love to eat, but I am not overweight. That’s because I pay attention, a concept hinted at in Bringing Up Bébé, as well.
However, I did learn a lot more principles French women follow as they pay attention to their weight. Want the skinny? (Sorry, I could not resist…) In two words: portion control. Easier said than done.
Well, this is where Mireille Guiliano’s book comes in: she will tell you how to trick your mind into being satisfied with two tortillas instead of three. Or two ounces of chocolate instead of six. Intrigued?
You really should read the book. There’s no substitute for the real thing. Just to um, whet your appetite, here are some of the power points:
- French women eat three meals a day.
- French women don’t snack all the time.
- French women drink two quarts of water per day. At least.
- French women never let themselves be hungry.
- French women never let themselves feel stuffed.
- French women eat with all their five senses, allowing less food to seem more.
- French women train their taste buds, and those of their young, from an early age.
- French women honor mealtime rituals and never eat standing up, on the run, or in front of the TV.
- French women don’t watch much TV.
- French women eat and serve what is in season, for maximum flavor and value.
- French women love to discover new flavors and are always experimenting with herbs, spices, and citrus juices to make a familiar dish seem new.
- French women understand that as an adult everyone is the keeper of her own equilibrium.
- French women plan meals in advance and think in terms of menus even at home.
- French women love to entertain at home.
- French women walk everywhere they can.
- French women take the stairs whenever possible.
- French women think dining in is as sexy as dining out.
- French women are stubborn individuals and don’t follow mass movements.
- French women know l’amour fait maigrir (love is slimming).
- French women eat for pleasure.
- French women avoid anything that demands too much effort for too little pleasure (like sweating in a gym).
- French women don’t diet.
If you want a plan of attack, the book will give it to you. Here are the main points:
1. Write down everything you eat for three weeks. Don’t count calories, just write down approximately what you ate and how much. At the end of the three weeks, watch for patterns. Round up the usual suspects (too much food late at night, too many sugary, salty, greasy snacks, not enough water, too many caloric drinks etc).
2. Make a leek soup (recipe in the book) and eat that for two days, plus drink all the water you want. Leek soup is a natural diuretic, it tastes divine, and it will get you a jump start on the French way of thinking about food. Losing a bit of weight in two days won’t hurt, either.
3. The next three months constitute your short-term recasting. The principles in the bullet list above start here. You will lose at least half of your target pounds during this time.
4. Stabilization and eating for life – this is the bulk of the book, complete with recipes and ideas on how to think your way into a thinner you. Also, how to move more without sweating and hurting and paying expensive gym memberships.
The author, a French woman married to an American, lives her life in New York and Paris. She is entertaining, informative, and not at all preachy. She is comfortable with herself and with her message. She is not afraid to admit that one of the reasons France is not the super-power that America is, is that France has not acquired all the technologies that have made American life so convenient and comfortable. But, on the other hand, she points out that it is this easy lifestyle that has made Americans fat.
In conclusion, as Molière put it, Manger bien and juste. (Eat well and eat right.)
Are you a Christian? Because if so you shoukd know you can’t think your way into being thin. That book is harsh period. French people act harsh sometimes. It is self-righteous and it is a diet. Not snacking, eating certain things is a diet. A lot of people follow diets and say they don’t but they do. Anything that restricts food or has certain amounts is a diet.
Yes, I’m a Christian, and I truly appreciate your thoughtful comment—it means a lot that you’re engaging so deeply with the ideas in “French Women Don’t Get Fat.” I can see why some might find parts of the book feel a bit direct or even harsh; it’s unapologetic about how our culture shapes our habits around food and self-image, and that can hit close to home in ways that stir up real emotions.
But I love how it spotlights the role of mindset in reclaiming joy and balance, which echoes so much of what Jesus teaches about renewing our thoughts to find true freedom from those inner battles, like controlling appetites or letting go of worry-fueled indulgences. It’s not about perfection or judgment—it’s about grace-filled transformation, building a “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) that’s peaceful, disciplined, and anchored in His love.
These five Bible verses have been such a comfort to me in that journey, showing how Jesus invites us to gently retrain our minds toward wholeness and self-control (all from the NIV). I’ve included a bit of reflection on each to connect it back to the book’s wisdom:
1. Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Jesus showed us this in the wilderness, resisting the pull of quick, worldly fixes (Matthew 4). It’s a loving nudge to swap out cultural pressures—like emotional eating—for God’s gentle perspective, helping us discern what truly nourishes us body and soul.
2. 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
This is like a kind invitation from Jesus to gently “capture” those fleeting urges or negative self-talk and hand them over to Him. It’s mental partnership, not force—turning distractions into steps of obedience that lead to real, compassionate freedom.
3. Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Jesus stayed fixed on eternal truths even in hardship, and here Paul offers a beautiful filter for our daily thoughts. By lingering on what’s lovely, we naturally edge out impulsive cravings, fostering a mindset of joy and gratitude that makes choices—like what we eat—feel lighter and more honoring to who God made us to be.
4. Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Straight from Jesus’ heart in teachings like prioritizing the Kingdom over daily worries (think food and provision). It’s a soft redirect upward, rewiring us from chasing temporary comforts to resting in spiritual fullness—He meets us right there with abundance.
5. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus’ own words from the Sermon on the Mount, spoken with such tenderness to ease our anxieties about needs big and small. By putting His ways first, we shift from scarcity mindsets (and the overindulgences they breed) to one of trusting provision—He promises it’s all added in, with peace as the bonus.
Thank you again for sharing your heart here; it reminds me how these conversations can be so healing and connecting, even when a book stirs up tough feelings. The mindset shifts in “French Women Don’t Get Fat” are empowering, not condemning, and pairing them with Scripture has been transformative for me in building healthier rhythms. Which part of the book felt most challenging (or inspiring) to you? I’d love to hear more if you’re up for it—I’m here cheering you on!
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