10 Things You Need in Your Kitchen According to Parisians

“Dieting,” or, in other words, forgoing foods typically meant for enjoyment out of concern for one’s weight, is one of the strict taboos for Parisians, along with wearing workout clothes in public and saying no to a glass of wine.

Despite the aversion to restrictive eating (and nationwide cuisine famous for its use of butter, cheese and fatty meats), obesity and obesity-related diseases or health complications are extremely rare in France. This French Diet paradox has left scientists baffled for years. Maybe it’s simply their je-ne-sais-quoi mindset, or maybe we should take a closer look at what they’re actually eating.

The key to French cooking lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Parisians rarely stray from cooking with their basics, and the inside of their fridges always looks the same. Meals are flavorful because of their full-fat dairy and fresh-out-the-oven bread, and consist of effortlessly small proportions that are filling because of the wholeness of their ingredients.

Instead of heating up a low-cal frozen dinner from the grocery store, a busy Parisian puts together a simple meal using a few ingredients that are from the boulangerie down the street or the marché that’s on her way home from work. Parisians seem to possess the secrets to all our weight loss dreams; their foods are whole and their waists are slim.

To start your own French Diet, here are the ten crucial items that Parisians always have in their kitchen, certainement.

1. Egg Cartons Are Always Full (And Should Be Placed On The Countertop Or Window Sill)

It is important to never clutter the small, Parisian refrigerator with eggs (that precious space is for more important things like cheese and open wine bottles). In contrast to American brunches made up of Benedicts and omelettes, you’d rarely find a Parisian eating eggs for breakfast. Instead, it is the basis for lunch and dinner, whether it’s hardboiled and sliced with cheese and mayonnaise in a sandwich, or fried and eaten with veggies for a quick dinner.

2. At Least One Baguette Is Always Out On The Table

If you’re a real Parisian, you’ll know to ask for tradition baguette at the boulangerie, which, for some reason, is always crisper and fresher than the regular baguettes. It goes without saying that the only bread a Parisian would ever eat was made the day she buys it. To Parisians, it is a ridiculous idea to think that bread would ever be bought processed or sliced.

3. Dijon Mustard Is The Simplest Secret To All The Parisians’ Taste Cravings

It is easily spread on a slice of baguette for a zesty snack or mixed with olive oil for a salad dressing that even makes lettuce taste delicious.

4. Olive Oil Is Of Course Used For Cooking And Baking But Is Also Dabbed On Skin For A Glowing Look

Olive oil happens to be loaded with heart-healthy fats, but what Parisians care about most is that it tastes great in all their food and can be used to fix many cooking woes.

5. Fromage Needs Little Introduction When Discussing A Parisian Diet

Walking down any street in Paris will make you understand how seriously they take their cheese. Fromageries are all over Paris, and each has a serious selection of the best cheeses you probably will ever eat. Different cheeses are eaten for different meals, and Parisians know what which ones to pair with what food and what wine. Learning how to eat and pair cheese is as important as learning your ABCs.

For the full list, visit The Everygirl.