J’adore Paris! I visit there often, but whenever I go I find it a struggle to eat at the standard I am used to. My highest value is health, this isn’t Paris’s highest value or at least that of touristique Paris. The French cook a lot at home but when visiting the city as a tourist, staying in hotels or Airbnbs with tiny kitchens cooking just isn’t on the agenda and Paris doesn’t do convenience foods very well.

Everyone smokes and drinks in Paris, eats cheese and bread by the ton, restaurant foods are filled with heavy creamy sauces and delicious delicate desserts are on every corner. I love Paris for this, it’s what makes Paris Paris. I also feel very conflicted about it since quite honestly, I feel like shit eating this way after a few days. I’ve had clients visit Paris and find the same problems as I had and so, ever eager to serve I explored Paris from a new angle; from the perspective of someone who really values health and their body composition.

How to do Paris as a Health Conscious Tourist

• Find the high quality Turkish kebab shops. You can get simple and affordable grilled chicken and vegetable skewers or chicken bowls, veggies and rice to get your lean protein needs met. Try Gemuse Berliner Kebab in Montmartre. They do vegetarian options and if that doesn’t float your boat try Abbatoir Vegetal, the delicious but spendy vegan option next door.

• Go to one of the many Greek delis selling beautiful fresh olives, dips, nuts and meats for your lunch on the go. Try kilikio in the 3rd Arr.

• The Carrefour supermarkets are literally everywhere in Paris and can provide some convenience foods but they really vary in quality. You’ll need to shop around to find the ones that have a wider variety of quality options. The bigger ones are best.

• Go to one of the abundant Naturalia to stock up on organic and bio snacks.

• There are many fantastic seafood options in Paris. I got an absolutely delicious seabass at Cafe de Luce in a picturesque square in Montmartre.

• There is a small M&S in Passage Verdeu. I know you’re in Paris but the Brits do convenience food better, not that this anything to brag about but it’s true, and it’s in a beautiful shopping arcade decadent with old fashioned Parisian grandeur.

• Get an apart-hotel or Airbnb with a serviceable kitchen so you can make packed lunches. Don’t get caught out starving around the tourist attractions. You’ll get stung for terrible food and you won’t find many affordable healthy options.

• Take your own protein powder and bars with you for protein on the go. It’s difficult to get good quality protein in Paris unless you buy it at a market and take it home to cook.

• There are a ton of poke and ramen options in Paris. These are virtually on every street corner.

• Lots of places have fresh juice and smoothie options and there are dedicated juice bars around if you are needing a fresh green hit. Try Juice Lab in the Marais.

• Put a visit to La Recyclerie on your list not only for the healthy food options but for the experience and its ethos; located in a former station the REcyclerie aims to raise public awareness of eco-responsible values, in a fun and positive way.

• Le 404 restaurant does - out of this world - Moroccan cuisine. Would highly recommend the tagine dish for dinner. For the quality of the food it is nicely priced with main meals around 20E.

With a bit of creativity you don’t have to sacrifice your health or waistline in Paris and with all that walking you’ll be doing you can easily squeeze in a croissant, patisserie, cheese and wine, because what would Paris be without a little indulgence? As always, moderation is key. Passe une bonne journée!