The French Are Getting Fatter, Too
An interesting article from NPR re: the influence that America is having on French food culture. I have to say, when I was in France I was really shocked by the prevalence and popularity of American and American-influenced eateries. Don’t get me wrong, the infamous French pride in their culinary traditions definitely still dominated. But there were a LOT more fast-food burger-type joints than I ever would have expected; even more surprising was how popular they clearly were! And I’m not talking about tourists here. The majority of the clientele that I saw were French. That said, the crowd was pretty much all kids and young adults, so I really think that the shift is happening mainly among the younger generation. The older folks are still firmly set in their epicurean ways, as the French are often wont to be in so many ways, for better or worse. It will be interesting to see if this shift progresses, or if the culinary old-school is able to put a stop to it. I would think that if anyone could resist the charms of McDonald’s, it would be the French.
The French Are Getting Fatter, Too
Part of an ongoing series on obesity in America.
As the United States struggles to cope with obesity rates, France is often looked to as a counterexample. Yet obesity is on the rise there as well now, and though French culinary traditions are often credited with keeping people trim, some worry those eating habits are under assault.
French obesity rates are still far below those of the United States and other European countries. One might think they would be a lot worse. The shops and outdoor markets are full of pastries, meats and cheeses, and people are always talking about food. It turns out that it’s not only what the French eat but how they eat that seems to make a difference.
http://www.npr.org/2011/08/06/139042221/the-french-are-getting-fatter-too?ft=1&f=1001
one little indian 