Discovering Health and Harmony the French Way

Amongst the lively streets of Paris, amidst the scent of fresh croissants and the echoes of cobblestones, I stumbled upon a new way of life that has profoundly reshaped my perspective on health and wellness. As a health and beauty editor hailing from California, my days were once consumed by intense boutique fitness sessions, leisurely strolls through Whole Foods, and exciting adventures with acai bowls. However, since relocating to the City of Light, a shift has taken place within me—something healthier, more tranquil, and remarkably free from stress.

The pace is leisurely, the lifestyle is unique, and the approach to health has been truly enlightening. And I’m not alone. Other expatriates from North America have undergone a similar transformation in Paris. The French “style de vie” has evolved from a mere trend to a way of life that has breathed new life into our bodies and souls.

One of the most striking differences is the slower pace of life. In Paris, the relentless pressure to be productive, which once loomed over my American lifestyle, has faded into the background. The constant hustle and bustle has been replaced by a leisurely ease that allows me to simply exist, without feeling like I’m racing through life on a hamster wheel. Clinical psychologist Amy Buchanan agrees, emphasizing the detrimental effects that the American culture of hyper-productivity can have on our physical and psychological well-being.

And then there’s the walking. In Paris, every step matters, quite literally. No longer do I rely on driving to get around; now, my daily routine is filled with leisurely walks around the city, racking up more miles than I ever did back in California. Surprisingly, despite spending less time in boutique fitness studios, I’ve managed to stay in shape and feel even better than before. It’s a shift in culture, a change in mindset that has redefined how I approach fitness, movement, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

But it’s not just about physical activity; the French approach to food has been a game-changer for me. Embracing a diet that values whole, seasonal foods and shuns the fear-based restrictions I was accustomed to, has given me a newfound sense of food freedom. I can indulge in buttery viennoiseries and decadent desserts without the guilt that once consumed me. And even better, this healthier way of eating is more accessible and affordable, not to mention a cultural staple that has become an inherent part of my lifestyle.

Incorporating a “French approach” to health doesn’t have to be limited to the streets of Paris. The lessons I’ve learned and the changes I’ve experienced can be applied anywhere. Slowing down, savoring good food, prioritizing mindful movement, and finding joy in simple pleasures are the cornerstones of this new way of living. It’s not about radical transformations or complex routines; it’s about embracing the fundamentals of health and wellness in a way that brings balance, joy, and peace to our lives.

So, maybe it’s time to take a leaf out of the French playbook and infuse a little “joie de vivre” into our own health and wellness routines. After all, sometimes the simplest changes can lead to the most profound transformations.

In the spirit of “la vie en rose,” here’s to health, happiness, and finding our own unique version of the French art of living well.