Why Frenchwomen Don't Get Fat (Really)

Number one reason:stairs

There are many explanations about why Frenchwomen don't get fat but after spending a month in rural France, I have some of my own ideas. The number one reason is stairs. Over the last 4 weeks, I have been averaging 7 flights a day. At home, I take the elevator to my third floor apartment. 

lots of walking paths  (with benches to rest)

I really enjoy walking for a while and then sitting on a bench to enjoy my surroundings or to read.

There is a lot of work being done to promote the enjoyment of the natural setting of the Loire River. Benches, lounges and tables are located at regular intervals. 

I've been stopping at the tabac (newsstand) to buy a French newspaper or magazine.

In France, I have been enjoying the fresh fruit from the Saturday market. Each of my days begins with 

slice of fresh melon. The fruits and vegetables from the market taste so flavourful. I'm wondering how to enjoy better quality produce at home.

I love the Satuday market.

The French like to label. Real estate listings include graphics showing energy costs and CO2 emissions.

Food has labels indicating nutritional values.

My tuna salad and Bio bread are A rating and my ham is  C.

 

I bought this San Pellegrino drink but it is an E rating. I have not drunk it.

It seems to me that although there are pastries at the boulangerie and a menu formule includes three courses (entrée, plat and dessert), portions in France are smaller than in North America. 

I have only a few days left in La Charité before taking the train back to Paris. There are rail strikes in France and UK right now so plans need to be changed constantly. I've a couple of days in Paris before I meet daughter in London. She's bringing me a size smaller pair of jeans. Those stairs must be working!