Picture yourself in a French caf´ savoring a meal and sipping wine while chatting with friends and you'll understand the philosophy behind the best-selling book French Women Don’t Get Fat. The author, Mireille Guiliano, says she has not written about a diet per se, but an approach to a healthy lifestyle where food is more than just sustenance. According to Guiliano, eating slowly, downsizing portions and choosing fruits and vegetables only when in season, along with exercise, will help you stay as slim as the French.

Diet Fundamentals:

Phase I: Recasting
• Keep a food journal for three weeks.
• Cut out problem foods temporarily.
• Eat three balanced meals a day.
• Eat fresh foods in season and not only enjoy, but savor what you eat.
• Exercise.
• Drink water.

Phase II: Stabilization
• Slowly add problem foods back into your diet.
• Eat smaller portions, especially of problem foods.
• Focus on seasonings and seasonality of fruits and vegetables.
• Increase daily movement and exercise.
• Increase daily water intake.

Phase III: The Rest of Your Life
• Incorporate the new eating habits into your lifestyle.