Dreaming of a slim waistline after 40 but tired of diets that seem to backfire? Take a cue from the unapologetically stylish and ever-radiant Valérie Lemercier, who proves that you can skip a certain old habit and still keep your silhouette on point—no surgery or rabbit food required!
The Power of Acceptance—But With Style
Valérie Lemercier, known for her sharp wit, love of fashion, and enviably lean figure, is living proof that age is not a roadblock to maintaining your allure. Back in Paris for her sixth one-woman show, she beams with offbeat optimism, fully comfortable in her own skin—and her body. Lemercier doesn’t shy away from her age, her weight, or even her wrinkles. Instead, she embraces them with conviction, echoing trailblazers like Julia Roberts and Kate Winslet. Both have long waved the flag for growing older while feeling fabulous.
This is not just talk: a few years ago, Lemercier publicly took a stand against the normalization of cosmetic surgery. In her own wonderfully candid words: “Cosmetic surgery gives you a victim’s face. Age, wrinkles, the marks of time… That’s nothing to be afraid of.” Natural beauty—proven by her still-glowing presence—not only remains her credo in 2025, but continues to inspire others to follow suit!
The One Habit to Ditch: Going Hungry
So what’s the habit over-40s should drop? According to Lemercier, it’s going hungry. That’s right—the secret isn’t endless restriction, but making sure you never face ravenous pangs. As she amusingly shared in Madame Figaro magazine, “The secret is not being hungry.” Her daily routine? “Three eggs, three kiwis, three crispbreads. That suits me very well.” When time is tight (like at Cannes), she packs her crispbreads and olive oil, dipping them happily while gifting herself a meal far better than “all the salmon canapés in the world—which just give you horse breath!”
This combination—proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs—keeps her full and happy without a hint of deprivation. Lemercier avoids diets that “make you gain weight,” instead favoring intermittent fasting if she wants to shed a few extra pounds. Her personal hack? “If I want to lose weight, I don’t eat dinner. The secret is not being hungry, so you need ready-made foods. I always keep cooked potatoes, skin-on, in my bag, just in case.”
Energize With Satisfying, Balanced Foods
Experts endorse her approach, noting that combining proteins, fats, and complex carbs is the smart way to feel satiated fast and dodge sudden cravings. Eggs are the real star in Lemercier’s toolkit—and she’s not alone. More and more celebrities are jumping on the egg bandwagon for a toned and sustainable figure. Why? It’s all about their protein content, which sustains fullness and preserves precious muscle mass.
- Just two eggs provide around 12 grams of protein, similar to a small steak, which covers 15–20% of daily needs (according to France’s National Committee for Egg Promotion).
- Recommended protein intake varies depending on your lifestyle, health, and goals.
French health authority Anses advises a range of 0.83–2.2g per kg per day, which translates to about 10–27% of your energy intake if you’re under 60. Forgetting your proteins? Nutrition expert Pierre Dukan warns your body eventually pilfers its own muscles to compensate! Go more than eight hours without protein, and your system starts drawing from its muscle and skin reserves. The moral is clear: keep those proteins coming, or your muscles might go on a little (unplanned) diet of their own.
It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Consistency
Lemercier’s strategy is refreshingly simple: focus on whole, satisfying foods and stay ahead of hunger. Her example, alongside advocates like Kate Middleton and Christine Bravo, shows that being fit and accepting yourself at any age isn’t about fads or perfection. It’s about small, mindful choices, a touch of humor, and an attitude that says, “My life, my shape, my smile—wrinkles included!”
If your goal is a slim waistline after 40, skip the habit of starving yourself or obsessing over every calorie. Embrace real foods, keep proteins front and center, and fuel your body with what makes you feel energetic—no salmon canapés required. And if hunger creeps up unexpectedly? Take a page from Lemercier’s book: reach for a wholesome snack, not the latest crash diet.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
