The key to Mireille's own weight-loss success and book is rooted in attitude. "In America, you look at food as bad and guilty," she says. "In France, we love food and we enjoy food; food is pleasure."
And, according to Mireille, French women do not believe in diets. "American women tend to always be on a diet whether it's Atkins or South Beach or Slim Fast," she says. But for French women, nothing is off-limits. "If we want a piece of chocolate or pizza or some ice cream or pastry," she says, "we have it. But, in small portions. ... We're not concerned with calories. Once you have to start counting calories, it takes away from the joy of eating."
Mireille says that she always sets out to truly savor her meals, even during that forgotten midday meal so many of us rush through. "For 20 minutes I don't take calls," she says. "I don't work on my computer. I enjoy my lunch."
