This one of a kind magical breakfast cream adapted from 'The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook'
My birthday was earlier this month and Clark surprised me with such a thoughtful gift: The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook.
I know you're probably thinking: "Oh my God! He got her a cookbook about not getting fat – what a jerk!" While some [ok, most] women would be offended if their husband gave them such a thing, I was tickled to receive it!
I've mentioned my love of obsession with French food before – it's really no secret to anyone who knows me. So naturally, several months back, I decided to Google around to find out why all French people aren't morbidly obese. I mean – their diet consists of baguettes, cheese, butter, crepes, and wine, among a few other things. I'm sure they eat plenty of fresh produce and seafood, too, but really… tell me, Google, how DO they do it?
As it turns out, I'm not the only person who has wondered this and in fact, studies have been conducted to understand this phenomena. Scientifically speaking, it's known as the French Paradox. On average, the French stay at a healthy weight and, despite a diet that is high in fat and carbs, have a lower occurrence of heart problems than Americans. One of the hypothetical reasons behind this? Wine. It is believed that the polyphenols in red wine have a significant effect on heart health. Now that's a diet that I can get behind.
In the midst of this extensive and highly important research that I was doing about French food, I happened upon the website of author Mirielle Guiliano who wrote "The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook." From the preview that I read, the book looked fantastic - simple, approachable, and filled with stories about Mirielle's culture and upbringing. I was immediately interested and I told Clark, "If you're wondering what to get me for my birthday, this cookbook is it."
And he remembered! He got me something that I really wanted, something that I'll use, and most importantly, he remembered something I said like, 6 months ago. Swoon.
Inside the cookbook, on one of the very first pages, Mireille Guiliano shares her beloved aunt's recipe for Magical Breakfast Cream. She recalled summers spent traveling with her family, a common tradition among French families, and her aunt swearing by this Magical Breakfast Cream. It's a recipe that has special meaning for the author and I couldn't help but want to try it.
You're probably wondering "what's so magical about it?" And you would be right to wonder. Allow me to explain:
It's low in calories.
It's high in fiber, protein, amino and fatty acids.
It's naturally sweetened.
It's creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and surprisingly filling.
It takes 3 minutes to make – breakfast on the go, anyone?
And most importantly, it is delicious - almost like having dessert for breakfast.
Mirielle doesn't attribute wine as the French secret to staying healthy, but instead to a diet that pays attention to balance, portions, moderation, and allows room for indulgence. She believes in eating a hearty, energizing breakfast to stay full until lunch. Since lunch is the main meal of the day for most French people, it is usually followed by a light and easy-to-digest dinner at the end of the day.
I'm a breakfast fiend, so I have no complaints about this regimen.
Magical Breakfast Cream
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
Adapted from "The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook," this simple, one-of-a-kind breakfast meal is a secret to slimming down and staying full.
Ingredients
- ½ cup lactose free yogurt
- 1 teaspoon grapeseed oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- 2 Tablespoons finely ground cereal [no or low sugar, high in fiber, and preferably gluten-free]
- 2 teaspoons finely ground walnuts
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine yogurt and oil. I used grapeseed oil, but you can also flaxseed oil as Mirelle recommends, or another mildly flavored oil. Mix together well.
- Next, add lemon juice and mix well. Then add honey and mix well. It's important to add each ingredient in order and mix everything thoroughly to get the correct consistency.
- Use a food processor to bring the cereal and walnuts.
- Add the cereal and nut mixture to the yogurt and mix to combine. Enjoy immediately – don't wait too long, because the cereal will lose its crunch!
- To prep this ahead of time for a week's worth of breakfast, grind the nuts and cereal and store for easy access at breakfast time!
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: Breakfast
I tried it this morning. It’s delicious but I’m curious to see if I’ll lose weight. I have had little success with diets the past year and I’m ready for a new mind set. I really like ur blog thanks.
I'm glad you liked the recipe! Wishing you the best of luck with your 2018 goals. <3
What nut would you recommend as a good substitution for walnuts? Would almonds work well? Thanks in advance :]
Almonds would be great!
Hi, I'm 1/3 french, 1/3 swiss and 1/3 italian, aka a typical central-european girl. I didn't know the "french paradox" but it is true that french people arn't so fat when you see the fat-glittering croissant they eat. I can just agree with Mirielle explanation. Look at the size from a german croissant and after that the size from a french one. The german one is almost twice so big... I like your blog, I hope i can a bit improve my english by reading it. Bisous
That's a good observation! I had never heard of the French paradox either, until I started googling about the French diet. I think it's so interesting! Thanks so much for your perspective, feel free to comment whenever – I understood you without a problem, great English! :)
Looks simple and yummy! Glad I found this post and thanks for the tip on the books!
Hi. Sounds delish. What cereal (s) would you recommend for this recipe? Thank you!
Arrowhead Mills Gluten Free Maple Buckwheat is delicious, as is Nature's Path Flax Plus!
Thanks for the fun story! I’m interested in why the lactose-free yogurt is required for this. Can I use a standard Greek yogurt or should the yogurt be a looser type/standard yogurt? Whole milk, lowfat, nonfat?