[quote=Blogstar]The French find any find personal dietary prohibition as bad manners…it truly is offensive and also self-belittling to dote on these things publicly. They are healthier than us.

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In some ways, yes. They also consume 50% more alcohol, on average, than Americans. But they smoke 20% fewer cigarettes, on average (according to the data I could find). I think what is healthy is probably very specific to the individual. And you are right – I think people take a “Holier than thou” attitude when it comes to food restrictions. I think diet/health has become the new religion, with all the good and bad motivations.