On French etiquette of diet

(Stealing from a friend)

Today I had dinner at Entre Nous, a beautiful and classy French bistro. We were lucky to get a reservation, so I went in with a very clear and noble mission:

Grass-fed steak, French butter melting on top, and greens to my heart’s desire.

Of course, since I don’t drink alcohol, the waiter politely offered us French wine, especially Merlot. Very elegant. Very French. Very tempting for people who drink. We smiled and asked for our usual high-society beverage:

Diet Coke.

The waiter looked at us like we had asked him to microwave a croissant.

He said, very politely but firmly,

“We don’t serve Diet Coke.”

Then, before we could recover from this emotional trauma, the real French owner appeared. Heavy French accent. Serious face. Full culinary authority. The man looked like he had personally drafted the constitution of French food.

He said:

“Monsieur, we do not serve artificial drinks, chemicals, Diet Coke, or decaf drinks. Everything here must be natural. Whole milk. Real cheese. Real butter. Real ingredients. This is what I learned in France, and this is what I practice here.”

At that moment, I realized this was not just a restaurant.

This was a French nutritional courtroom, and Diet Coke had just been sentenced to life imprisonment.

No Diet Coke.

No decaf.

No fake cheese.

No chemical shortcuts.

No nonsense.

Only real food, real butter, real cream, real cheese, real coffee, and real attitude.

And suddenly, I thought of my visits to France.

Beautiful surroundings, clean air, greenery, parks, walkable streets, and a healthier lifestyle are wonderful goals. But the real question is:

Can we also build healthier eating habits?

Because healthy citizens are not created by parks alone. They are created by daily discipline: real food, smaller portions, walking, clean habits, and less dependence on fake, processed, chemical-loaded items.

Whenever I visit France, I’m amazed. You can walk through entire streets and barely see obesity. If I do see one or two obese people, I quietly think:

“These are probably tourists. The real French are inside, eating butter with dignity and still staying thin.”

That is the French mystery.

They eat butter, cheese, bread, cream, steak, and dessert — yet somehow they don’t expand like a Pakistani wedding buffet line.

Their secret is simple:

Real food. Small portions. Slow eating. Lots of walking. No fake chemicals. No emotional relationship with unlimited refills.

The lesson from tonight was clear:

A healthy society needs green spaces, clean air, walkable neighborhoods, and beautiful homes.

But it also needs a culture of wholesome food, disciplined portions, and respect for the body.

The French may have their Merlot.

Though I must admit, my Diet Coke is still in mourning!

An alternate view on health and wealth

(A text from a friend: though not entirely agree, but makes sense up to a certain level)

I believe that the old saying "health is wealth" exists mainly to keep the less fortunate content with their circumstances. I argue the opposite, that wealth is health. With wealth comes the means to live a longer, more fulfilling life, which is why people in North America, Europe, Japan, Denmark, and Australia enjoy greater longevity and well-being.

*G P S, STORY*

(Names have been blocked out for the privacy)

Our dear friend SR, who lives just two blocks from us, originally hails from Lyallpur, a city renowned for its textile industry in Pakistan. SR comes from a prominent family deeply rooted in the textile business, much like Dr. NS family. SR has made a name in the industry, even in the USA.

SR visited his primary care physician a few months ago for a routine checkup. The results revealed that his hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) level was elevated at 6.8, indicating prediabetes—a warning sign that caught his attention. His doctor delivered a straightforward ultimatum: either shape up, lose weight, and adopt healthier habits, or face the prospect of starting medication to manage his condition.

SR embarked on a business trip to Pakistan shortly after this appointment to oversee his textile operations. While there, he had an enlightening conversation with one of his factory managers, affectionately known as Chacha. Chacha A**** offered unconventional yet practical advice as they discussed food and health. “Sahib,” he said confidently, “just follow the GPS, and you’ll shed the weight in no time.” Puzzled, SR inquired, “What’s GPS?” With a chuckle, Chacha explained that it wasn’t a navigation tool but a simple dietary principle: avoid Grains, Potatoes, and Sugar—the “GPS” of unhealthy eating. He assured that sticking to this approach would yield results.

Intrigued by the idea's simplicity, SR decided to try it. Upon returning to Chicago, he committed to the GPS plan, cutting out grains like bread and rice, starchy potatoes, and sugary treats from his diet. The results were nothing short of remarkable. In just 10 weeks, he dropped an impressive 21 pounds. Encouraged by his progress, he set a goal to lose 33 pounds, steadily working toward it by faithfully adhering to the GPS method.

SR’s transformation left me in awe. It’s incredible how a straightforward shift in diet—avoiding processed carbs and sugars—can not only help shed unwanted weight but also potentially prevent chronic conditions like diabetes. It’s a powerful reminder that small, intentional changes can yield life-changing outcomes, steering us away from the pitfalls of junk food and sedentary habits.

I encourage you all to consider trying the GPS approach for yourselves. Share your experiences—whether a pound lost, newfound energy, or a healthier outlook—I’d love to hear your stories! 

 *Here’s to health, discipline, and the wisdom of Chacha A*****!*