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The Fat Fallacy: The French Diet Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss
Fat is not the enemy!
Croissants. Brioche. Brie. To the American palate, these foods are fattening and oftentimes “forbidden.” Yet they are the regular staples of the French diet. And though almost half of all Americans are overweight, France’s obesity rate is at a low eight percent, while the French also boast fewer cases of stroke and heart disease. It’s clear that America’s obsession with low-fat and fat-free foods has ultimately failed.
In The Fat Fallacy , neuroscientist Will Clower explains precisely why the American diet sabotages weight-loss efforts and discusses how French eating habits can lead to better health and trimmer physiques. In this revolutionary work, Dr. Clower
• How highly processed “fake foods” are the real culprit in the American diet
• Why it’s not just what you eat but how you eat that makes a difference
• Easy ways to adopt the habits of the French to melt the pounds away, including complete dinner recipes—with dessert!
Finally, here’s a plan that cuts through the high-protein/low-fat debate. It’s not a gimmicky diet program but a way of life that will invite Americans to enjoy food like never before—while being healthier and trimmer than they ever could have imagined.
Croissants. Brioche. Brie. To the American palate, these foods are fattening and oftentimes “forbidden.” Yet they are the regular staples of the French diet. And though almost half of all Americans are overweight, France’s obesity rate is at a low eight percent, while the French also boast fewer cases of stroke and heart disease. It’s clear that America’s obsession with low-fat and fat-free foods has ultimately failed.
In The Fat Fallacy , neuroscientist Will Clower explains precisely why the American diet sabotages weight-loss efforts and discusses how French eating habits can lead to better health and trimmer physiques. In this revolutionary work, Dr. Clower
• How highly processed “fake foods” are the real culprit in the American diet
• Why it’s not just what you eat but how you eat that makes a difference
• Easy ways to adopt the habits of the French to melt the pounds away, including complete dinner recipes—with dessert!
Finally, here’s a plan that cuts through the high-protein/low-fat debate. It’s not a gimmicky diet program but a way of life that will invite Americans to enjoy food like never before—while being healthier and trimmer than they ever could have imagined.
297 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2003
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 3, 2009
This book in a nutshell: 1. Eat real food 2. Eat slower and savor each bite. 3. Eat smaller portions 4. Work on reducing your sweet tooth.
This book didn't have any original or surprising information, just a good reminder of the common sense type of eating that isn't very common! I did get annoyed at his repeated bashing of low-carb eating and Atkin's. Some of the things he said made it obvious that he had never actually read Dr. Atkin's book, which also promotes eating real food and avoiding processed and faux foods.
This book didn't have any original or surprising information, just a good reminder of the common sense type of eating that isn't very common! I did get annoyed at his repeated bashing of low-carb eating and Atkin's. Some of the things he said made it obvious that he had never actually read Dr. Atkin's book, which also promotes eating real food and avoiding processed and faux foods.
July 6, 2024
DNF.
I found the book in the library's nonfiction section on diet. It attracted me due to its lack of strict guidelines. However another reviewer Cathy summed up its lessons well enough that you really don't need to slog through about 300 pages of the author shaming the fat Americans and praising the skinny French. Since French people definitely love their pastries and dessert at the end of every meal I daresay you only need to do 3 things: 1. Eat real food 2. Eat slower and savor each bite. 3. Eat smaller portions.
I get the sense from the first 50 pages that the author lived in France but did not make significant connections with the people. Perhaps it is the less inclusive language of 20 years ago ("the French" instead of "French people"), but anyone who spends time in France will find there are fat French people just like there are fat people everywhere. Yes on average French people are less overweight than American people, but one can do better than the French diet. For example, a diet heavier in anti-inflammatory foods such as the Mediterranean or Japanese diet is actually scientifically shown to have health benefits.
I got the sense the book lacked significant scientific backing despite the author being a doctor; it was just him praising French people.
I found the book in the library's nonfiction section on diet. It attracted me due to its lack of strict guidelines. However another reviewer Cathy summed up its lessons well enough that you really don't need to slog through about 300 pages of the author shaming the fat Americans and praising the skinny French. Since French people definitely love their pastries and dessert at the end of every meal I daresay you only need to do 3 things: 1. Eat real food 2. Eat slower and savor each bite. 3. Eat smaller portions.
I get the sense from the first 50 pages that the author lived in France but did not make significant connections with the people. Perhaps it is the less inclusive language of 20 years ago ("the French" instead of "French people"), but anyone who spends time in France will find there are fat French people just like there are fat people everywhere. Yes on average French people are less overweight than American people, but one can do better than the French diet. For example, a diet heavier in anti-inflammatory foods such as the Mediterranean or Japanese diet is actually scientifically shown to have health benefits.
I got the sense the book lacked significant scientific backing despite the author being a doctor; it was just him praising French people.
April 7, 2009
Awesome book. You can mostly skim the first half, which basically explains why the American diet doesn't work. The lessons Dr. Clower has are invaluable -- eat slower. Enjoy your food.
Choose things higher in fat so you feel satisfied, but eat smaller (MUCH smaller) portions. Good fats = nut and avocado oils, olive oil (extra virgin), cream, cheese, butter. Butter! I love this man.
The key is to combine all elements: eating slowly and enjoying your food while using higher-fat REAL foods (no soda, processed junk or High Fructose Corn Syrup, which is even in freakin' KETCHUP).
I love the Fat Fallacy, but it's hard to find in some libraries. Get with the program, libraries!
September 28, 2008
This was given to me by a friend as a birthday gift 3 years ago, and I have much enjoyed reading and re-reading it.
Not only are the recipes simple and incredible, the book informative and entertaining, but also it contains some great common sense suggestions, and actually makes a good READ and is not just a book or just a cookbook. I keep switching it from my kitchen to my bookshelf because I can't decide where to keep it!
Not only are the recipes simple and incredible, the book informative and entertaining, but also it contains some great common sense suggestions, and actually makes a good READ and is not just a book or just a cookbook. I keep switching it from my kitchen to my bookshelf because I can't decide where to keep it!
November 18, 2007
I almost feel like this guy wrote the diet book I was going to write. Darn him. I've never believed that fat is what makes you fat. Not good fat anyway and good fat includes milk and cream and cheese. I liked that there was a big focus on behaviour and feelings about food and on sweeteners and additives. It's a fast and easy read but he can be repetitive.
May 28, 2008
very interesting look at how Americans have regarded "fat" in recent times. i agree 100% with the author and have tried to eliminate faux foods from my diet from time to time . . . it's surprisingly difficult in this day and age, however.
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November 30, 2008I am currently reading his first book about Why the French don't diet. Many interesting and easy to apply ways to learn to eat slower and enjoy food. Also some good stories about he and his family eating in Lyons France.
August 17, 2008
I love what Clower recommends and have incorporated a lot of it into my life...eat slowly, take small bites, eat only real food, and don't be afraid of fat.
September 26, 2008
One of the many in along the Mediterranean diet theme, but it makes lots of good points.
October 2, 2010
File under common sense.
February 16, 2013
It makes perfect sense that all this garbage in American food is making us sick and unhealthy. Bring on the olive oil and away with the faux foods. I'm ready to give it a try.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews