Health News / August 2006
Continental Dieting
By Kathryn E. Brown
It could be argued that a woman’s relationship with food
is more complex than any other connection she has in life. Some women believe that consuming a comforting meal is
more therapeutic than a coveted hobby or pastime. However, this love affair has led to an overindulgence of food and
drink, resulting in one of the unhealthiest attachments in
American culture. Women are now turning to other coun-
tries for help, relying on a more romantic approach to eating
as a means of curing their weight problems.
Diets originating in European cities are capturing the attention of American women who are learning to change their approach to eating rather than focusing on the con-
sumption of particular foods. French and Italian diners claim they can indulge in rich, delectable fare without gaining weight because they routinely exercise and respect serving sizes. Walking is a way of life in London and Paris, which allows women to work off the buttery croissants and petit fours before the fattening dishes alter their slender figures.
The Greek version of a Mediterranean diet dedicates a
surprising 40% of each day’s caloric intake to monosaturated
fats. Red wine accompanies afternoon and evening selec-
tions, followed by a naturally-sweetened dessert such as fresh
fruit. Red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs are held to only a few
servings each month, while nutritional requirements are met
by eating locally-grown vegetables, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.
Eating should be a pleasurable experience for the senses, according to continental diners. Color, presentation, atmo-
sphere, seating, and the company of others are taken into
consideration as meals are consumed. Any type of food is
eaten whenever the mood or hunger pang strikes, but every
bite is eaten slowly with a consciousness of how it tastes and
an awareness of when the body is truly satisfied.
Of the numerous types of diets, the best known are carnivorous, macrobiotic, and vegetarian. Liquid, raw, and fasting trends have eaten their way through magazines and cookbooks in recent years, most of which have become popular through the endorsements of celebrities and fitness trainers. Although many people praise the immediate grati-
fication of the low-carbohydrate plan and others remain fiercely loyal to the low-calorie and low-fat regimens, a greater number of women are finding satisfaction in simpli-
fied dining.
Elizabeth Ingold is a registered and licensed dietitian
in Kanahwa County who assesses and educates patients on
their nutritional needs, intervening when necessary. She says
that despite the latest medical findings in the weight loss
world, Americans still have not discovered a fool-proof way
to battle obesity.
“Some of the more popular diets that include opinion
from the European perspective have a few rational points
but lack some aspect of the total body approach, which the
American Dietetic Association promotes and continues to
offer scientific research to support,” she said.
Ingold says many of the principles involved in achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are based on behavior modifications of portion control, calorie counts, and healthy food choices, in addition to activity levels. The influences of biology, genetics, the environment, medical, and psychological elements have much to do with the obesity and weight control debate, which means that each person will have personal issues to tackle with any diet program they try.”
Ingold is expecting her third child this fall and she has
already decided how she will lose any lingering postpartum
weight.
“I don’t like the word, ‘diet’ because it indicates tak-
ing away what I love, and that
is food,” she says. “I’m mindful of my choices, treat myself
on occasion, and believe all
foods can fit into your life. I
also think the old saying, ‘eat
less and move more’ does carry
some weight.”
Katy Brown is the managing member of and senior writer
for The Write Word, LLC. To
contact her, call (304) 344-5355, or e-mail thewriteword@charter. net.
Copyright © 2005-2006 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Femme Fair 2006
Top • Home • Subscribe • Advertise • Submit • Distribution • Contact
Support Our Advertisers • Organization Resources • Women Owned Business
Designed by Livewire Studio
