by Cygne Sauvage
When physical distancing was still a personal choice rather than an imposition from health experts I often attended poetry reading, book launching, art exhibits and book sales. In my country these events command sparse attendance, usually from nerds and anti-socials, as majority of the denizens prefer to bombard their eardrums with Cold Play’s repertoire, or throng to latest iPhone model launch, or swarm into visiting K-pop idols.
Hence, ramming through a massive pile of books in a huge annual grand sale brought in by a US-based group of bibliophiles was effortless, no peril of being trampled or struggle for a share of oxygen. This was where I spotted an interesting read: French Women Don’t Get Fat.
The aphorism has not been unheard of but I was surprised that there’s even a book on it, and a bestseller at that. I thought it is more of a national brag similar to “Italian males are good lovers.” Observation-wise, my limited exposure to the expatriate community in my country allowed me to be invited to several official and social gatherings among France-based business people and diplomats. And, I agree, I still have to meet someone, regardless of gender, whose waistline exceeds half of a 60-inch tape measure.
The author Mireille Guiliano, presents inspiring tips, indirectly through her first hand experiences, on healthy eating without gaining the unwanted pounds. It definitely discourages dieting, instead provides not-difficult-to-follow strategies on slowing down intake of carbs and other fattening edibles. Amidst positive prescriptions on not giving up on bread and pastries, wine, chocolates and regular three-course meals are featured recipes.
I have not been to France but narratives from friends who have fulfilled their dreams of climbing the Eiffel Tower warned me to prepare for endless walking which much has contributed to the population’s dearth of heavyweights, literally, that is. Everybody rides the train. Almost everyone is passionate about sports. Biking is ideal as there are vast public open spaces.
My thinking is that had French people need to go through two-way narrow streets sans sidewalks, or be stalled in traffic jams for hours, or be reduced into vegetative state inside a snail-paced public bus, perhaps their country would likewise be faced with the health issue of obesity.
Thus, being trim and healthy is not just a personal crusade. How a country, or even a community is planned has a substantial repercussion on its citizen’s health and well being. Unfortunately, developing countries have been overrun by political and social dilemmas at the expense of the quality of human resources.
An ideal urban plan is one that catalyzes its residents to walk leisurely from home to bus stations, fills the roads with mass transit so as not to cramp highways and accumulate carbon footprints, and offers ample open spaces for physical activities and sports.
The Well-Read Company 