How Julia Child Really Felt About 'Diet Food'

It seems there is always a new, trendy diet hitting the food scene. Each claims to help people shed the pounds they want to lose or simply to live a healthier, cleaner life. There are rules to follow, shopping lists to copy, and adaptations to learn for your favorite dishes. But Julia Child always felt that eating healthy was far more simple than what most diets today appear to be. Though she might have been a big believer in using good butter, her guidelines for cooking and eating were actually quite balanced, according to Self. 

Angela Ginn, a registered dietician told Self, "Julia Child's principles are key." According to Ginn, the famous cook's food philosophy involved everything that we think of in regards to healthy and clean eating. "Fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, diversifying your plate and healthy preparation," Ginn said. But Child was also a firm believer in enjoying food too. "Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything," Child said. "These are the secrets of happiness and good health. You need to enjoy the good things in life, but you need not overindulge. The key to healthful dieting is to eat small helpings and a great variety of everything. And above all have a good time!"

While Child clearly had a health conscious mindset toward what to eat and cook, the celebrity chef definitely was not a proponent for diets. According to Today, Child once said, "the only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." Of course, she had all kinds of other cheeky quotes like using moderation sparingly and using cream "if you're afraid of butter." It would seem Child wanted all food to taste good first and foremost, like anyone would. 

But using good, fresh ingredients and preparing vegetables and other produce rather than overly processed foods certainly helps. Everyone's body is different and responds differently to food. Some may be more efficient, while others are better at storing energy. So, Child's view on diets might actually be one of the best to take to heart. No diet is fit for every type of person, so you may not need to stick to one religiously.