Paris has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. And after years of planning and saving, I finally got over there in 2018 for 6 beautiful days. I was careful to not overplan this trip too much, as I wanted to really experience the Parisian culture and what daily life was like. Some of what I experienced I expected, and some I was rather surprised. I left Paris feeling inspired by their lifestyle, and have done my best to bring some of these beautiful habits home with me.
Let me first dispel the myth that the French are rude. I found this to be so unbelievably false it baffles me as to why this stereotype even exists. Granted I did my best not to come off as an asshole American tourist while I was there, because that stereotype is unfortunately very real. I don’t speak fluent French by any means, but I did do my best to learn certain phrases and always made an effort to try. I believe it’s respectful to at least try and speak the language of the country you are visiting, even if it’s just hello and thank you. With that said every person I encountered was lovely and helpful, even in some of the smaller markets where not many tourist visit. In my travels through life I have found that your energy speaks louder than words. And approaching others with an open grateful heart works wonders, even if you don’t speak the same language.
The first few hours that we arrived in Paris were spent walking around the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement. This charming section of Paris is full of trendy restaurants and cafes, the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookshop, and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Within the first hour of arriving I of course found a delightful Boulangerie (Bakery) in the Saint Michele neighborhood, where I promptly ordered a croissant and cappuccino. This place would quickly become our favorite morning spot to indulge in the most heavenly almond croissants and people watch. Which brings me to the first habit I learned in Paris.
Eat Leisurely
This particular Boulangerie was populated by mostly locals, with a few tourists like myself. As I observed the locals I noticed that they would sit down with their cappuccino and pastry of choice in the morning, and actually enjoyed their meal. They weren’t multitasking on their laptop, or scrolling on their phone. They slowly sipped their cafe and ate while they either read a book, conversed with one another, or people watched. Coming from America, where meals are typically rushed and paired with other activities, it was surprising to see how present they were with their breakfast. I know for myself I rarely just eat my food without being on the computer, unless of course I’m at a restaurant with other people. But even when I go to a cafe at home, I’m always on my laptop or phone. In fact I would feel odd to just sit in a cafe and people watch, without some other sort of distraction. But in Paris it felt normal, and rather peaceful.
Meals in themselves should really be the main event, not a side task that you try and cram in. My morning smoothie is consumed while I answer emails. Lunch is often eaten with rapid speed between appointments or while I scroll on twitter. And dinner at home usually happens while watching YouTube. Yet in Paris I would have felt so out of place and even rude, whipping out my computer in the middle of breakfast.So for maybe the first time in my life I ate with complete presence, and it was wonderful.
The benefits of eating leisurely and actually being present with your food is amazing. For one you actually taste the food more when all of your other senses aren’t so distracted. Eating slower also optimizes the digestion and absorption of your food. You’ll increase the amount of nutrients you take in, reduce bloating and digestive upset, plus you’ll register when you are full faster. One of the reasons why the French can stay so slim while eating more indulgent food is because they are more present with their food and eat slower. Proper digestion and assimilation of your food is 100% connected to how well you metabolize that meal. Rush when you eat and not only will your body have a hard time assimilating fat, but it will also release cortisol, which causes weight gain.
I’ll admit I had a hard time adopting this habit when I got home. On vacation it’s easy to eat leisurely, but once you are back to your normal schedule slowing down for meals doesn’t always seem feasible. As I was struggling to fit this habit into my daily routine I realized that what type of life do I have if I am too busy to eat? Think about it, not having 30 minutes to enjoy a meal is absolutely ridiculous. Yet this is the culture we’ve created. Breakfast on your morning commute, lunch meetings, dinner in front of the t.v. Eating, one of the most essential basic necessities, has been downgraded to being less of a priority than emails. Once I had this realization I knew I had to make some changes. Now I read a book with my morning smoothie instead of jumping on the computer. I make lunch dates with friends so we enjoy our meal together. And my boyfriend and I make an effort to actually eat dinner at the dining room table, candles lit and everything. Interestingly enough, since adopting these habits I’ve lost 3 pounds, effortlessly.
Dine Alfresco
I do realize that alfresco is an Italian phrase, and I’m writing a blog about Paris. But let’s ignore that fact for a second and focus on food again. After all, so much of a Paris vacation is about eating.
Now as a tourist I was already planning on multiple picnics during my stay in Paris. I loved going to the local markets to pick up a fresh baguette and fancy fromage. I would then walk to a beautiful park or garden to enjoy my very French picnic. I expected to be surrounded by tourist doing the same, and of course there were a few, but I was more surprised by how many locals there were. It seems that eating outside is rather common in Paris, even in the winter.
The benefits of dining outside mirror what I’ve previously stated about eating leisurely. But in addition you get the sunshine and a good dose of vitamin D. Studies have even shown that outdoor dining reduces stress and cortisol levels in the body and increases focus and creativity. Not to mention from an energetic perspective getting out in nature is very grounding. For the most part, the majority of us spend way too much time inside. The Parisians understand this for sure as nearly every restaurant and cafe has outdoor seating year round.
As someone that lives in Florida this isn’t always the easiest habit adopt. We have a few good months a year of delightful weather with low humidity. But during the Summer months, eating outside during the day can be tortuous. Even under an umbrella it feels as if your skin is melting off, the air is so thick it’s hard to breathe, and you’ll be a sweaty frizzy mess. But I have found that once the sun goes down the evenings are much more tolerable, even on balmy nights. And there is something magical about dining outside. I do it as much as possible now, because not only does it feel good, but it reminds me of Paris.
A Note on the French Diet
One last note on food before I move onto another habit. There are several books and blogs that promote a Parisian diet in the states, i.e “French women don’t get fat.” This I disagree with. Yes, when you are in Paris eat all the cheese and bread, and drink all the wine. But if you think you can come back to the states and do that on a regular basis and not get fat or sick, you’re mistaken. The reason the French don’t gain weight as much from their diet, is because the quality of their food is so much better than what we have in America. Their gluten is real gluten, their dairy is real dairy. It hasn’t been altered with chemicals and hormones like our food in America. There is a huge difference on how your body processes real “pure” food compared to food laced with toxins. Eat that way in America, and you’ll have some health challenges. This by no mean stops me from going to a French cafe once a month, or indulging in some raw imported cheese from France. But bottom line, if you want to follow the French diet, you should live in France.
Read a Book
I mentioned that we were staying in the Latin Quarter which is home to the well known Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. As a big book nerd I fully anticipated visiting that shop, where I appropriately bought the Hemingway classic A Moveable Feast. But what I didn’t anticipate was how many bookstores there were in Paris! I swear it was if there was a bookstore on every block. Coming from America where practically all the bookstores have closed except for a few Barnes and Noble, I couldn’t believe how many I was passing. I was also surprised by how many people were reading books. At cafes, in parks, on a random bench, down by the Seine. People were reading everywhere. And they weren’t reading on kindles, they were reading from actual books. In fact I think I saw more Parisians reading, than on their phone. This was such a beautiful site, and says a lot about their culture. So if you want to look like a chic Parisian, pick up a book and put down your phone.
Walk the Walk
You won’t see a lot of gyms in Paris for good reason, they walk everywhere. Now as a former New Yorker this is not a new or foreign habit to me. When you live in metro based cities like New York and Paris you are going to do a lot of walking. Which of course also contributes to the healthier lifestyle Parisians are perceived to have. Yet unlike New Yorkers, Parisians walked at a decent pace, not at a rushed rapid rate. Walking throughout the city didn’t feel frantic like it does in New York. This again speaks to the pace of their culture, they never seem to be in a big hurry. I personally love to walk and miss city life at times for that very reason. The other day I enjoyed a nice fifteen minute walk along the riverside in Tampa to meet a friend for dinner. I was reminded again how delightful a nice walk can be. Not only is it good exercise, but it’s also a great stress reliever, especially when you aren’t rushing. Going for a walk clears your head, not to mention gets you outside. So even if you don’t live in a city that requires you to walk anywhere, go for a stroll around the block every now and then. And if you don’t want to do that, at least park far away the next time you are at Target to get those steps in.
Looking Stylish Doesn’t Mean Looking Perfect
When you think of Paris, you think of fashion. And one of the joys of people watching there is checking out their style. Everyone looked so chic, but they didn’t look like I expected. I purposely didn’t pack sneakers for this trip because I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb. So I was rather surprised when every Parisian woman that passed by was wearing cute sneakers of some sort. Which of course makes logical sense with all the walking they have to do. But in mind I was expecting to see Dior from head to toe and heels. Instead I saw a unique casual style worn with confidence. While everyone’s style was a little different, no one looked completely polished. There was an element of imperfection, which is what created this effortless chic look.
I was recently at a party in the states where there were a lot of young 20 somethings, which to be honest just looked like a sea of wanna be Kardashians. The microbladed eyebrows, Kylie Jenner lips, fake eyelashes, contoured cheekbones, etc….Everyone was trying to look “perfect” and as a result, everyone looked the same. I’m not meaning to pass judgement here. I too have spent many hours watching makeup tutorials on YouYube in order to master the art of contour. And there is nothing wrong with that look, but there is a lot to be said for embracing your own beauty and owning it. The French seem to have this concept down. Highlight the style that works best for you, and wear it with confidence. And you won’t find confidence from fake eyelashes and chiseled cheekbones, that can only be found within. Take off the facade and find your inner Parisian.
Let’s Hangout
Remember in High school and College when you use to just hang out with your friends. With no agenda other then to chat and laugh and maybe have a few beers. Well I felt like I was going back in time as Friday and Saturday nights in Paris basically turn into a big hangout session. Groups of friends of all different ages gather in squares and by the banks of the Seine to essentially “hangout.” They share some wine, laugh loudly, and play some music. Apparently hanging out by the Seine has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Which got me thinking, I don’t remember the last time I just hung out with a group of friends. Typically my get togethers are always organized and planned with a specific agenda, like dinner and a show. Which there is nothing wrong with that, but there is something youthful and fun about just hanging out. This has actually inspired me to have more chill get togethers with my friends. I’ve found that having no agenda allows you to connect and be more present with one another. Not to mention that opens the evening up to adventure and the unknown. Sometimes not having a plan, is the best kind of plan.
Au Revoir
Of course I wasn’t in Paris long enough to really understand all the in’s and out’s of their culture. But my week there certainly left a lasting impression, one that I’ve done my best to integrate into American life. Slowing down isn’t always easy, especially with all the pressures we have on us during the day. But it’s certainly a healthier and happier way to live. And we could all use a little more of the French joie de vivre attitude in life. Life is meant to be enjoyed, we just have to slow down enough to really live it.