Eat well while vacationing in France

Many travelers are aware of French society's reputation of breeding slender people. Yet, the streets are lined with cafes and eateries offering buttery pastries, dishes with heavy sauces and sinfully delicious desserts. When vacation planners book cheap flights to Paris, they should keep in mind some general tips to balance their eating with an equal level of walking, moving and exploring, without sacrificing any of these celebrated aspects of France.

Lauren Antonucci, owner and director of Nutrition Energy NYC, shared some of her top rules for maintaining positive eating habits while staying in France. The baguette, an iconic choice of bread for most tourists in the country, is not the best option in terms of health concerns. Antonucci recommends opting for a pain complet (whole-wheat bread) or a pain de seigle, which is made with rye flour.

Another staple of French cuisine is its variety of cheeses. To feel more guilt-free about indulging in the delectable dairy item, choose softer cheeses rather than firmer ones, because the harder the cheese, the more fat it contains, according to the nutrition expert. By choosing stronger flavors like blue cheese, the chance that a traveler will over-indulge may be lower.

Whether the travelers' weaknesses are carbs, sugars or dairy, a healthier - and still tasty - alternative is within reach after a bit of research before booking flights to France.