Feel good, French style

First off, you may be wondering why I am all of a sudden writing about kids.

The stork brought me a little bundle back in February (a girl!), which I admit turned my attention away from the blog.

Now what do kids’ vitamins have to do with Feel good, French style? If you want to look good, and feel even better, it’s all about what’s in your food – and your drinks, and your vitamins, supplements, shakes, smoothies etc.

I was recently surprised when my pediatrician recommended Trivisol brand vitamin D for my baby. As I was just about to give it to her, I read the ingredients. They include polysorbate 80 (a chemical emulsifier), artificial flavors, and artificial caramel color. Ouch!

It seems counter-intuitive to me that the only way to give my baby something good for her is wrapped in up in something bad. Sure, it’s just a few drops, but if alternatives are readily available, why not choose them?

Indeed, a quick stroll on the web revealed another option: Carlson for Kids D drops (same strength as baby formulation). Its ingredients are simple: Vitamin D and coconut oil.

Whether you’re five months, five years or 35, the first step to eating well is reading labels. You should recognize everything and be able to pronounce it. Then ask yourself if said ingredient truly belongs in what you’re eating. For example, a good bread should just be flour, water and maybe a yeast or levain starter. Sugar (and it’s derivatives like corn syrup) and various vegetable oils don’t belong. They just end up sabotaging your waistline (and your health).

It’s exciting that with popularity of places like Whole Foods and a renewed interest in green markets, we have plenty more choices than a decade ago when it comes to the quality of our food. Whether it’s vitamins, treats or veggies, exercise your right to choose!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

I recently shared my top French women secrets to staying skinny with wellness website Vital Juice.

Check out the tips here.

If you’re starting to think about a Spring shape-up, remember that baguettes are not the enemy. I recently discovered Manna Bread’s sprouted whole grain loaves.

Because the breads don’t use flour, just sprouted grain, they are low on the glycemic index (i.e. waistline friendly). My favorite flavor so far is Cinnamon Date. Warm up the small loaves in your oven, and impress dinner guests too.

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” says supermodel Kate Moss. I beg to differ. Not because a double cheddar burger with crispy bacon or a molten chocolate cake tastes better than being skinny, but because it makes you chase after the wrong thing.

If you want to look good in your bikini, there’s nothing more sabotaging or frustrating than pitting food against looks. We’re not at war with food!

What if instead you give yourself the time and permission to eat the right, natural and delicious things for you? That love will make you feel amazing in your body, no matter what the scale says.

Bikini Tip #2: Be kind to yourself. Eat the foods that speak your body’s language (a lot of quinoa, a little cake)…

Love your food, and your thighs – and they will love you back!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

I went a little overboard this winter on the olive oil and butter. The problem is, I have a gorgeous Eres red bikini sitting in my drawer, and I would have liked to wear it again.

Luckily, as the sun comes out, your body starts craving lighter, detoxifying foods. It’s pretty easy to pick up a few good habits to get ready for your bikini.

One of my secret weapons is Bragg’s raw, organic apple cider vinegar. My doctor recommended it a few years ago to help with allergies, and I’ve been using it ever since. It’s known to help with weight and detox. A teaspoon diluted in water a few times a day is a great palate cleanser and craving controller.

These days, I’ve been using it as a yummy salad dressing. I mix fresh lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper and thyme. Play around with the amount of vinegar and try different herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Last night, I used the dressing on a red cabbage salad. Perfectly tart and crunchy. Do you think it zapped away the delicious, flaky croissants David and I devoured after a long walk in the park ?

Whether or not I manage the squeeze back into the bikini, Summer always puts a smile on my face. In the meantime, spike your life with a little vinegar… and a lot of love.

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom

I happened upon the most delicious breakfast last week, Dorset Cereals. They are made in Poundbury, the English village created by Prince Charles in the beautiful county of Dorset.

What does Kate Middleton eat for breakfast? Hopefully she’s not missing out on her future father-in-law’s muesli!

But I know it’s not very green to encourage you to buy cereal imported all the way from the U.K. Instead, try Bob’s Red Mill muesli (at your health food store or Whole Foods).

Like the Dorset version, it has no added sugar or oils and is made from unrefined rolled oats and grain flakes. Much better than most things you get in a box (if you’re still eating Special K, all that sugar and processing are actually health saboteurs, not helpers). I tend to prefer muesli over granola because granola does tend to have added sugars and oils. Read your labels to be sure you’re getting a truly “naked” product.

The closest you can get to natural and naked is to cook your grains yourself. Have them do double duty, both breakfast and dinner. Cook a big batch of your favorite (kasha, quinoa, amaranth,) early in the week and store it in the fridge. Make it up savory for dinner (add veggies, seeds, beans, condiments, …) and fruity for breakfast (add dried and fresh fruit, nuts, agave, …)

With a healthy tummy, you’ll feel like a Princess every day!

Live épanoui*

Elisa

* in full bloom