Saint Tropez is the southernmost tip of France, a pleasure destination since the times of the Romans and a secret Mecca for the chic and the genteel. Food has always been integral to the charm and attraction of this place.
The natural diet here is healthy and sumptuous, and the author Apostolos Pappas has taken full advantage of the native diet in the book ‘The Saint Tropez Diet’. In fact, food scientist and biochemist that he is, Pappas has distilled, what he believes is the best of the Mediterranean Diet, the Atkins Diet and the Provencal Diet into a small, readable handbook of healthy eating and happy living.
The Saint Tropez Diet Basics
The fundamentals of the Saint Tropez diet are simple:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Eat foods high in Omega 3 (Salmons, sardines, walnuts) in combination with foods high in Vitamin A (red peppers, spinach, carrots)
- Omega 6 is bad and to be avoided (all processed foods)
The Saint Tropez Diet is implemented in four phases.
In the first phase, all saturated fats are withdrawn and are replaced by Omega 3 foods. Dieters are allowed to take in 1600 calories.
In the second phase, calorific intake comes down to 1450 calories and exercise is introduced into the program.
The third phase lasts for three weeks and calorie count comes down further to 1,300 calories a day. The amount of exercise is increased. Those who want to lose more weight may continue with this phase for a few more weeks.
The last phase is the maintenance phase and it lasts for two weeks. The permitted calorific intake during this time is 1,500. Food intake will be a combination of vitamin A and Omega 3. Dieters are taught how to achieve long term results through proper food intake.
To demonstrate how it is possible to cook delicious food using low cal foods, the author provides a number of delicious recipes like The Apostoles Crepes (chocolate and nut filling) and the Apple and Walnut Bruschetta.
This diet is like a breath of fresh air amidst other stringent, rigorous diets that feel like they are choking you. That the diet slowly eases into the weight loss phase is attractive, but more appealing than that is the fact that there is a wide variety of foods to eat from.
Food combining is given importance. Unhealthy foods are taboo and sufficient emphasis is laid on eating fruits and veggies.
Exercise is given due importance. Interestingly, walking is the most recommended form of exercise as this is the natural activity of most people on the Saint Tropez Island.
Saint Tropez Diet Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables are recommended
- Banishes unhealthy foods
- Stresses the importance of Omega 3 foods
- Calorie intake is not highly restricted
- Includes delicious recipes and meal plans
Cons:
- Many favorite foods like pasta are taboo
- Calorie counting is required
- May be too restrictive for some
- No extensive, specific exercise plan
In Conclusion
Just like the fresh, tropical breeze of Saint-Tropez, this diet is invigorating and healthy. A few people might find permitted calorie counts a little restrictive but everything in the diet is healthy. Thus, people following it will experience higher energy levels and natural weight loss. The delicious menus and the wonderful text keep readers engaged!
