The other day when doing some research, I stumbled upon something called “The Fork-It” Diet, referred to as “the secret of the French waistline.” Now, when I think about French cuisine, I think loads of butter, cream, cheese, red wine, foie gras, chocolate soufflé, etc. In short, French cuisine seems synonymous with richness, indulgence, and a love of all things decadent.
However, the French are notoriously good-looking. When strolling the streets of Paris, it’s not an abundance of overweight people that meets the eye. Au contraire! In fact, it is especially evident just how chic, beautiful, and TRIM French women are. Logically, this would indicate that you really can have your cake and eat it too (or eat your cake without it going straight to your waistline)! Intrigued to discover this supposed French secret of maintaining the waistline, I clicked through to www.forkitdiet.com to learn more.
The diet, originally outlined by two French consultants in the book Dîne Avec Une Fourchette and recommended by several nutritionists, endocrinologists, and diabetologists, essentially requires that participants eat only what can be prepared and eaten with a fork (no knives or spoons allowed!) for dinner each night. Based on the French way of eating a big, satisfying breakfast, a hearty three course lunch, and a light dinner, the diet works by ensuring that the last meal of the day contains lean proteins like fish (no meats that must be cut or prepared with a knife), vegetables, starches, and grains.
It seeks to change our “dietary rhythm” by recommending a light, low-fat dinner at night when we burn fewer calories, which in turn helps us to sleep better, wake up hungry for a big breakfast that fuels our day, and enjoy a good lunch as well. Another big plus of the diet? Its focus is not on restrictions, but rather on a “new way of eating” that yields a “healthy relationship with food.”
The diet does make some sense, and therefore, it’s no wonder that it has received some big-time press. The “Fork-It” method, or “le forking” as the French term it, has been featured in French Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Marie Claire. Yes it’s simple and a bit obvious, but that doesn’t mean that a great concept isn’t there. Personally, I like the concept because it adapts to each person’s lifestyle in a healthy way, without needless rules, magic powders, secret ingredients, mail-order meals, etc., and the research behind it makes sense.
Have you tried “le forking,” or are you interested in trying it? We’d love to hear from you and get your scoop!
Until next time, bon appétit!
Stephanie
DASHA wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
