A healthy and affordable life in France
Would you become healthier if you lived in France? The answer is – maybe!
According to recent data from the WHO, France ranks #9 with an average life expectancy of 81.6 years, making them one of the healthiest nations on earth. So just how does the French lifestyle make them love so long? deVere Group investigates.
As we all know, sumptuous food is the epitome of France; fatty meats, creamy sauces and butter-laden pastries. And to wash it all down, wine! Lots and lots of wine. So it’s surprising that the French are half as likely to have heart disease than Americans, and they are far less likely to be obese. But, once you live in France, it will all make sense.
Firstly, France has a great healthcare system, ranking number one for the best healthcare in Europe in International Living’s 2016 Global Retirement Index. Because healthcare and medicines costs are generally low, the French don’t hesitate to visit the doctor to address potential problems before they become serious.
French people also tend to be active. Whether it’s just walking to get from place to place or a pleasure stroll, is part of the French lifestyle. You won’t seem many people jogging because that isn’t a big thing in France, but it’s more common to see people of all ages hitting the gym…especially in Paris!
When it comes to their famous culinary delights, the French eat less. If you’ve eaten in a French restaurant or had a homemade meal, you’ll notice that the serving portions are decidedly smaller than what you’re used to. In addition, the French rarely snack between meals, but if they do, they tend to go for healthy options, like fruit or nuts.
The French also eat slowly. France is famous for having two-hour lunches, even during workdays. Whilst some see this as plain laziness, it’s not, it’s about appreciating and enjoying food. Meals are savoured in the company of family and friends, not shovelled down as fast as possible. And as science shows, the slower you eat, the more time your brain has to recognise that you’re full. So by eating slowly, they’re also eating less.
Lastly, they eat less processed foods. Across France, it’s a cultural tradition to buy the highest quality food available and prepare regular homemade meals. By doing this you can control the amount of sugar, salt, or fat that goes into them. Thanks to the abundance of France’s famed markets, it’s very easy to make your own healthy, delicious meals.
So, what do you think: if you lived in France, would you become healthier? If you adopt these French habits, then yes, the chances are pretty high! If you are considering retirement in France, contact deVere France today for all your financial planning needs.
Would you become healthier if you lived in France? The answer is – maybe!
According to recent data from the WHO, France ranks #9 with an average life expectancy of 81.6 years, making them one of the healthiest nations on earth. So just how does the French lifestyle make them love so long? deVere Group investigates.
As we all know, sumptuous food is the epitome of France; fatty meats, creamy sauces and butter-laden pastries. And to wash it all down, wine! Lots and lots of wine. So it’s surprising that the French are half as likely to have heart disease than Americans, and they are far less likely to be obese. But, once you live in France, it will all make sense.
Firstly, France has a great healthcare system, ranking number one for the best healthcare in Europe in International Living’s 2016 Global Retirement Index. Because healthcare and medicines costs are generally low, the French don’t hesitate to visit the doctor to address potential problems before they become serious.
French people also tend to be active. Whether it’s just walking to get from place to place or a pleasure stroll, is part of the French lifestyle. You won’t seem many people jogging because that isn’t a big thing in France, but it’s more common to see people of all ages hitting the gym…especially in Paris!
When it comes to their famous culinary delights, the French eat less. If you’ve eaten in a French restaurant or had a homemade meal, you’ll notice that the serving portions are decidedly smaller than what you’re used to. In addition, the French rarely snack between meals, but if they do, they tend to go for healthy options, like fruit or nuts.
The French also eat slowly. France is famous for having two-hour lunches, even during workdays. Whilst some see this as plain laziness, it’s not, it’s about appreciating and enjoying food. Meals are savoured in the company of family and friends, not shovelled down as fast as possible. And as science shows, the slower you eat, the more time your brain has to recognise that you’re full. So by eating slowly, they’re also eating less.
Lastly, they eat less processed foods. Across France, it’s a cultural tradition to buy the highest quality food available and prepare regular homemade meals. By doing this you can control the amount of sugar, salt, or fat that goes into them. Thanks to the abundance of France’s famed markets, it’s very easy to make your own healthy, delicious meals.
So, what do you think: if you lived in France, would you become healthier? If you adopt these French habits, then yes, the chances are pretty high! If you are considering retirement in France, contact deVere France today for all your financial planning needs.
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deVere France’s Public Relations Department deals with all areas of the media and external communications including international, national, regional, local, trade, consumer, print, broadcast, social and online. The Department aims to provide a helpful service to journalists, broadcasters and editors, amongst others, and reply to all media enquiries, including urgent enquiries out of hours, within agreed deadlines. Our press office does not have access to client details and will not be able to assist with individual client enquiries. Please contact deVere France’s Head of Public Relations on [email protected] or call +44 2071220925