Diet crazes are everywhere, but how many actually work? For real results, it might be best to look at habits of culture over the newest, fad diet. Here is where the "French diet" can work for you.

French citizens are typically known for being fit and attractive. It's impossible to think that they've all been following the Atkin's or South Beach diet. Instead, look to how they take control of their food.

1. Portion control. French people eat smaller portions of a higher quality food, less often. American sized servings are huge compared to a French portion. Size does matter!

2. Quality, not quantity. The French love and savor the taste of their food, while typically Americans confuse the enjoyment of eating. Americans will over-eat, simply because they love to eat.

3. Savor the flavor. The French will eat their three meals a day, but sit and enjoy it as Americans typically will hit McDonald's drive thru on the go. Our culture enforces speed-eating as opposed to savoring the taste. Eat slower, and you'll feel full faster.

4. Eat good food. It's easier to "savor the flavor" if your food tastes good. Skip the meals that are full of perservatives and go for a good, flavorful meal.

5. Make your meals a family event. Not only is it a good idea to spread healthy eating habits to your children, but it serves as good quality time spent to catch up with the family. The French value their meal time, which Americans tend not to do. Sitting down and enjoying a meal while conversing with loved ones lead you to eat slower and enjoy meal time. This will cause you to feel full faster as well.

6. Plan on having more. The French diet is typically in courses, an appetizer, entrée, salad, dessert, cheese and coffee. They don't over eat though, they have no reason to because they know another course is on the way. Eat smaller portions of each course, there will be more coming, and this will give you time to savor your food.

7. Red wine is common among the French, and plenty of studies have been done to show the benefits of it. Enjoy a little red wine with your meals, but don't over-do it. A glass or two is all you need.

8. Skip the gym and do what you want. French people don't typically go to the gym to work out, instead they do what they enjoy. Riding bikes, walking in the park, playing tennis... the list can be endless. Do what you love to do, it'll make the motivation easier for exercise. A gym membership is no good if you don't enjoy going and never make it there.

9. Enjoy your dessert. The French always leave room for their sweet tooth. Don't deny yourself! The problem with Americans is we over-indulge. Remember, savor the food! You can enjoy the chocolate bar or bowl of ice cream, just do it in moderation and enjoy the taste. Quality, not quantity.

I'm one of the ones that has attempted every diet in the books to no avail. It might be time for us to look at cultural differences of those that are successful at not being overweight, as opposed to the latest diet. If you'd like to read more on the "French Diet" you can click here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-french-diet

Source: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/190699/trying_to_lose_weight_ch...