Switzerland is famous for its glam ski resorts such as St. Moritz and Zermatt and chic cities like Zurich and Bern. But travel through this beautiful country as I did recently, and you may notice something besides show-stopping scenery: Swiss citizens are a trim bunch. In this chocolate-loving land that Lindt and Toblerone hail from, how is that possible? It's all about enjoying in moderation, superfood breakfasts like muesli, and the absence of fast-food culture (think dipping into fondue with friends). Here are some of Switzerland's stay-slim secrets you can steal:
1. Drink from a small glass
Visit Switzerland (www.MySwitzerland.com) and you'll notice that people drink from much smaller glasses and cups -- the highball and lowball glasses are almost half the size of those in Canada. Wineglasses tend toward the petite, too. The upshot? Studies show that if you use smaller dishware, you'll consume less. So the next time you're buying drinking glasses, opt for a smaller size, and save those larger glasses for water only. Think of it as a pain-free trick to consuming fewer calories.
2. Eat a protein-heavy breakfast
No greasy fried eggs and meat for these folks. The Swiss fuel up with big, healthy breakfasts. Muesli -- a multigrain cereal that they're famous for -- yogurt, cheese, fresh fruit, pickled fish, boiled eggs and whole-wheat breads are just some of the foods they eat. Their first meal of the day is a mix of heart-and-waistline-friendly proteins and carbs that keep them energized for the day.
3. Pay attention to what you're eating
You won't find people scurrying down the street chomping on hot dogs or chips or zipping to a drive-through for a food fix. Like in most of continental Europe, the sit-down-at-the-table meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, is still the cultural norm. If you've ever felt guilty for mindlessly overeating while engrossed in a TV show or driving, you've probably realized it's best to pay attention and enjoy every mouthful of what you're eating, like the Swiss do. In the French-speaking Vaud region of Switzerland, if you're eating fondue with friends and you dislodge a piece of your bread into the melted cheese, you pay for the wine, if you're a man. If you're a woman, you give the person next to you a kiss. Mindful eating indeed!
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