During my three-week tour of France, I tried it all, enjoying every bite of the rich, indulgent flavors of the region.

Sure that I would gain at least 20 lbs., I was surprised to return home and find that I didn’t gain a pound (well, two pounds that fell off immediately – probably airplane retention). How could this be possible?

Yes, there was the backpack I lugged around that someone asked if it contained bricks — it was that heavy. But that couldn’t possibly negate the thousands of calories I was consuming — dessert at nearly every main meal, ham baguettes layered so thick with butter that I thought it was cheese at first, every meal ending with a cheese tray before said dessert.

Ironically, I was listening to the audiobook, “Ultra Processed People” as I traveled, and noticed that the foods I was eating were whole, local, and seasonal (I’ll never forget the strawberries, the tiny artichokes, the white and wild asparagus…), so I believe the quality ingredients alongside a good dose of exercise must be the key to the French Paradox.

Here are some of the decadent meals I enjoyed during my trip to France.