One of my favorite books is French Women Don't Get Fat and I've reread it every few years just to remind myself of a few important concepts when it comes to food. I love food and have always been a big eater and amaze even my husband and his friends at how much I can consume in one sitting (I'm not sure if I'm proud of this). I grew up with brothers and in a family of big eaters and it's stuck with me over time. So depriving myself and dieting have never been my idea of a good time. However this book has really changed my outlook on diet, weight, healthy eating, and also indulging in what I love to eat. The concept is that there's no quick fix to being healthy, looking great, and feeling comfortable in your body. It's all about making a few small changes that will stick with you throughout your life (eating slowly, enjoying your food, eating without distractions such as television, taking the stairs, using fresh ingredients, etc.) and enjoying the foods that are always off limits for most dieters (chocolate, wine, cheese, bread, etc.). It's about getting in touch with what your body needs and making small changes to accommodate that, but never going without. In this book, the author talks about kick starting this "non-diet" diet by eating her recipe for Leek Soup in order to get all the nutrients you need, but also to see immediate results for instant motivation. Well, this 17 Bean Medley Soup is my version of Mireille Guiliano's Leek Soup. Whenever I feel like I need to eat a bit healthier and get back in touch with my body, I make this soup and have it practically every meal for a few days and I feel better immediately. I use the recipe on the back of the bag and add zucchini and any other vegetables I have in the house and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese. What are your tricks for staying healthy? 
31 comments:
I got the book when it first came out, even saw the author when she was on Oprah, and loved it...just haven't read it yet. Haha!
But that soup looks amazing. May make that this weekend. Thanks for the idea! :)
I love avocado, cottage cheese and tomato. You can add other things like a little balsamic vinegar, etc, but I like it simple. These three ingredients and a little black pepper at so satisfying. I think it's the avocado for the richness, the cottage cheese for substance and the tomato provides just enough acidity. Really hearty if you can believe. This makes me feel better when I am feeling like I need something healthy. The soup looks great, but I'm not quite the cook you are. My concoction requires absolutely zero talent whatsoever ;) Gotta kick these gummy bears!!
Um this looks DELICIOUS! Wow!!! I'll have to give it a go!
I think it's neat how you re-read that book every so often, like personally checking yourself. It's a good call and reminder on what's important :)
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
Oops, I forgot:
My trick for staying healthy is just to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible. I'm always snacking all day long, on healthy stuff (apples & cheese, an orange, a banana, home-made trail mix, cottage cheese with fruit in it, etc.). I also try to incorporate as many veggies as possible into meals. For instance, pasta and pizza with a ton of vegetables (I put BROCOLI on my pizza and LOVE it!)
Don't get me wrong, I love desserts and treats (that's a food group, right? ;) and defintely indulge, but when I feel like I've been indulging too much, I ease up on the desserts for a few days to attempt to get back on track :)
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
Its true I am amazed everytime you are downing seconds while I'm still working on the first. I have to admit, that while I'm not a big fan of vegetables I actually love the bean soup(as the last picture clearly illustrates).
yum yum looks amazing x
Yummy! That looks delicious!! :)
I've been wanting to read that book! I completely agree with needing to enjoy yourself and food always helps me to do that so it's hard to give up good food! We just need to learn self control. I like to always try a bite of something I'm craving or I'll eventually go crazy and eat way too much of it.
I have this book which I got after a trip to Paris...it is true that the french have such a different (and healthier) outlook on food. The other truth is they don't have as many additives and chemicals in their food either! And um...this soup looks amazing!!
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I absolutely ADORE Mireille Guiliano's work. Have you read the two sequels to "French Women Don't Get Fat"? They are phenomenal.
My number one trick for staying healthy is to drink lots and lots of water. :)
I absolutely MUST read this book! It sounds fantastic -- and your soup is positively gorgeous! I as well am a big eater (LOVE food), but since getting to college my stomach has shrunk a lot!
xxoo Josie
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that book sounds great and it makes complete sense. women don't need to starve themselves, just live/eat healthy! its the little things that make a big difference. <3
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Thanks for this post- I am going to buy this book. I feel like you about dieting- I just am not going to do it! My biggest healthy secret is to put spinach in my smoothies. You can't taste it (not matter how many handfuls you put in) and you get a ton of greens.....hmm I see a blog post coming on :)
xoxo
Marcie
I have to admit this soup looks way better than I imagined! I'm glad you posted a picture because everytime you talk about the "bean soup" it just didn't sound that appetizing.
oh i forgot about this book! i read it a few years ago and found it inspiring. i love the non-diet concept. i'll have to look for it and re-read it soon :)
Ha! I'm a big eater too. I eat more than my husband..for sure. Thanks for the recipe! I"ll definitely try it soon :D
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yumm, I was thinking I was going to spend this weekend cooking & freezing stuff for the week, and this looks delish! Might have to try (or some variation of it, since we don't have a trader joes & I can't get this exact mix!)
That looks good! The biggest thing it to remember it's a lifestyle, not a diet. You have to do something you can stick with!
That book sounds interesting!! I definitely do not believe in diets, you just have to choose to be healthy. I of course splurge from time to time but most of the time I like to eat what's good for me!!
Yum! You can come over and help with my dinner anytime! ;)
I love that last photo. He looks so excited!
Oh my gosh, this looks AMAZING. I totally want a sip. ;)
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That soup looks so good right now! Its starting to get pretty cold in my part of the world, I might just steal the recipe.
that soup looks so good! i'm definitely going to try it! i love in the book how she talks about having a glass of champagne at every meal. i'm a fan of that :).
Oh yummy, that looks delicious! I may need to get that book!
we live the healthy lifestyle. this looks delicious.
this looks great! thanks for sharing :) xx
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Oh that soup look delicous... the last picture is great.. so happy happy. LOVE IT. Happy Sunday.
xx Love & Aloha
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that books sounds like it's for me! i am against dieting. i even cringe when i hear the word "diet" but i know how important it is to eat healthy. you are what you eat right?
for me, as long as i make sure to have my fruits and veggies, mixed with carbs, protein and fiber while limiting high fats...i'm all good.
This soup looks incredible! I need to hit TJ's and make this!
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That soup looks wonderful!
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I need to get this book - I love the sound of the strategy behind it. Makes perfect sense to me! Thanks for the recommendation! x
Great post. I feel like reading this book over again. I completely agree with the principles and advice from this book. And that soup looks so healthy and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Naina
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