What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the French lifestyle?

Most people inevitably leap for the Breton striped top and the baguette. But, in truth, we may be victims of unfair stereotypes that clog up our minds. There is something genuinely appealing about the French lifestyle, if only for the breathtaking pictures of lavender fields in bloom on a seaside background. There’s a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that inspires and injects a fresh dose of freedom. 

So, when it comes to finding inspiration about how to improve your lifestyle or bring a little more happiness into your routine, it seems only natural to have a look at what our French neighbours are doing. After all, if, like many other Britons, you’ve had to postpone your French holidays to avoid quarantine, you could instead invite a part of France into your home. We promise it’ll put a smile on your face in no time! 

They’ve got a simple and yummy diet

Unless you’ve been living under a stone, you’ve probably heard about the governmental actions in the UK to encourage the population to lose weight. At the same time, the government also asks us to eat out to support our local restaurants, so, keeping a healthy diet is a bit of a dilemma at the moment! For the French population, however, a healthy diet is part of their everyday life. The Mediterranean diet, which prevails in Southern regions is naturally rich in lean protein such as fish and vegetables. French eaters, typically, consume large quantities of fresh produce, preferring salads and grilled vegetables over carb-heavy options. As a result, the average person in France is healthy without depriving themselves of their delicious bread. Our idea of a diet in Britain often includes leaving out food groups. However, if you focus your attention on a balanced and vitamin-rich diet, you can still enjoy a cheeky croissant without feeling guilty! 

They know their food

There’s a common misconception that French only eat gourmet food. However, the majority of French recipes you can find and follow emphasise simple and easy preparation steps. The true secret of the tasty salad you’ve enjoyed during your last trip to the French Riviera lies in the quality of the ingredients. There is no denying it: French prefer local food, often bought from the fruit and vegetable market. They pack their fridge with locally grown vegetables that are filled with flavour! As such, they don’t need a collection of dressing sauces in the kitchen cupboard. Instead, they use a simple twist from their Peugeot pepper mills and a little olive oil to season their meal. Switching your attention to local ingredients can also carve out unnecessary calories from your day-to-day meals. 

They love a less is more approach to beauty

When it comes to the beauty routine, there’s something reassuring about the simplicity of the French style. French skincare habits, for instance, tend to be on the minimalist side, focusing on products that deliver natural care. The French beauty cabinet relies on products that are often bought in pharmacies, rather than beauty and makeup shops. As such, brands such as Avène, or La Roche Posay, are inexpensive favourites that deliver quality results. Additionally, following their adage of less is more, a lot of French women keep their beauty routine to a minimum, applying only products they need and avoiding excessive makeup and styling. The result is healthier skin and shiny and strong hair. There’s a reason why French style prefers natural beauty: it’s because it keeps your appearance healthy. 

They love to share a moment with friends

Last but not least, it’s impossible to think about a typical day in France without picturing a few glasses of wine on the table. The French have a word for that part of the day where people come together to share a snack and a drink before dinner, it’s called an apéritif – or apéro if you love your colloquialisms. The French apéro is a collection of light snacks that don’t ruin your appetite. You will typically find some peanuts, fresh olives, and a little charcuterie. When it comes to the drinks, they stick to one small glass. The apéro ritual is a time for discussions, catching-up, and playfulness. Its focus is to create a convivial moment between family and friends. For us who often eat in front of the TV, throwing an apéro at home can be just what you need to bring your relationship to the next level. 

Perhaps we could use the pandemic as an excuse to learn a few tricks from our European neighbours and embrace the French habits that make sense in our lives. After all, there’s a lot to be said about enjoying a healthy and yummy diet that keeps your life and cooking simple! 

*collaborative post*