Thanks for the info and insight. I can't say we go to overly sophisticated restaurants while in France (or England, for that matter)but you are absolutely right. Nothing against UK food, because I love it too, but it doesn't touch some of what you can get in France. Portion sizes may be smaller than in the UK, but it hardly matters because it's always good and just the right amount.

I think the freshness is the key, honestly. Going to a farmer's market, anywhere you are, is going to turn out higher quality food regardless.

Correct me if I am wrong on this one, though. I spend a good few weeks out of the year in France racing in Abbeville. While I never noticed a huge difference in eating habits where junk food is concerned, and there are certainly obese people to be seen in France, I have also found that fresh food is more readily available and portions in restaurants are more controlled. Maybe this has something to do with the paradox?

This sentence for example is far to be true : "If they do snack, the French often choose fresh fruits between meals." If you stop someone in the street, asking him to choose between an apple and a chocolate bar, I believe at least 80% will take the chocolate bar. It reminds me that our government had a wonderful idea a few years ago : in order to fight obesity, the decision was taken too replace snacks in vending machines by apples in schools. This was a triumph. Huge success. Most of those poor apples are still in the machines.

As DOJ points out, what this highlights is that lots of factors affect health, including diet, genetics, environment, exercise, hygiene, and invisible death rays from space, for all I know.

interesting article