Why I Eat Like A French Women In Menopause - Secrets of My Plate

chic entertaining at home Dec 14, 2021

I eat like a French woman because I want to be healthy.
But also because I want to feel good in my body, calm in my mind, and deeply satisfied at the table.

When you look at my plate, it’s never boring. Even on its most “indulgent” day, it’s abundant with vegetables, color, and life. That alone gives me a sense of steadiness in my 50s that I don’t take for granted. It’s a privilege to feel well—and one I actively care for.

And honestly? What a bonus.

What My Plate Really Looks Like

I don’t count calories.
I don’t eat out of fear.
And I don’t deprive myself.

Instead, I eat with intention.

My plate is filled with color—deep greens, reds, yellows, and oranges from fruits or vegetables. I aim for variety, not perfection.

I enjoy good bread. I savor cheese. I drink red wine—but not mindlessly. I also drink plenty of water and tea.

This is what being in control of my health feels like to me—not rigid rules, but conscious choices. And that kind of control is empowering, not restrictive.

The Real French Secret (It’s Not the Baguette)

When you think of French women, what comes to mind?

Class. Style. Ease.
A certain culinary confidence.

What many people don’t realize is that French women approach food very differently—especially during midlife. And yes, that matters in menopause.

There’s a French expression I love:

"Mangez pour vivre, pas pour survivre" which translates to "Eat to live, not to survive."

It’s not dramatic—it’s practical. Food is meant to nourish and delight you.

When I was studying classical cuisine, I asked myself:
What is the typical French way of eating, really?

Contrary to popular belief, French women don’t live on baguettes and cheese alone. Their diet isn’t wildly different from ours in terms of ingredients—but the relationship to food is.

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How French Women Eat (Especially in Menopause)

French women tend to:

Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables daily, supporting digestion, hormones, and inflammation
Choose whole foods, healthy fats, and modest portions of protein
Take their time at meals, savoring flavors instead of rushing
Sit down to eat—often with conversation and presence
Cook simple dishes with quality ingredients rather than ultra-processed foods

This matters in menopause, when hormonal shifts can affect digestion, sleep, mood, and temperature regulation. A varied, nutrient-dense diet supports the body through these changes far better than restriction or convenience foods.

And no—French women are not constantly eating three-course meals with bottles of wine. Their approach is more nuanced. Often it’s lighter meals, smaller courses, and intentional pleasure.

Must Read: How to Create a French-Infused Home Sanctuary: Chic Wellness Begins at Home

What About Wine?

Yes, French women drink wine—but moderately and with food.
Not as a coping mechanism.
Not as an afterthought.

Light to moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with heart health, which becomes increasingly important during menopause. The key is context and balance—something French culture understands instinctively.

Menopause Isn’t a Free-For-All (And It’s Not a Punishment Either)

There’s a harmful stereotype around menopause—especially in the U.S.

That women who experience hot flashes or discomfort are “complainers.”
Or that peri-menopause is a last chance to eat anything before “it’s too late.”

I don’t agree with either.

Just because I’m perimenopausal doesn’t mean I abandon my health. In fact, it means I become more intentional. I don’t deprive myself—but I also don’t ignore my body’s needs.

For me, eating like a French woman means:

Going to bed without digestive discomfort
Experiencing fewer night sweats
Feeling more stable energy throughout the day

That’s not luck. That’s nourishment.

French Women, Menopause & Diet

Research and national surveys in France have shown something interesting: women experiencing more severe menopausal symptoms were not those following a traditional, varied French way of eating.

Instead, symptoms were more common among women consuming highly processed, North American-style diets—high in refined sugars, sodas, and empty calories.

Menopause is not easy—especially if you feel alone in it. But it becomes far more manageable when your body is supported, not stressed, by what you eat.

It’s Not About Eating Less—It’s About Eating Better

French women don’t obsess over how much they eat.
They focus on how they eat.

They eat with pleasure, variety, rhythm, and respect for their bodies. That’s the real difference between menopausal French women and American women—it’s not willpower. It’s culture and choice.

Wellness Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Eating like a French woman isn’t a diet.
It’s a lifestyle.

It supports menopause, yes—but it also supports long-term wellness, weight balance, and joy at the table. No extremes. No punishment. Just thoughtful indulgence and nourishment.

A Gentle Challenge

I invite you to try something simple:

Eat like a French woman for one week.

Sit down for your meals.
Add more color to your plate.
Savor your food.
Choose pleasure and responsibility.

See how your body responds.

Might Help: How to Feel Calm Again After 50

Want to Learn How to Do This Beautifully?

If you want guidance, structure, and inspiration, I’d love to invite you into my 8-week Chic Cooking Academy—a gourmet, menopause-friendly virtual cooking experience designed to help you cook and eat like a French woman with ease and confidence.

It’s never too late to eat well.
Eating well is a lifestyle.

Bon appétit.

— Wellness & Lifestyle Coach, Milan