If you want to stay slim while eating your favorite foods, take a page from the French and eat small portions, writes Valerie Frankel. Other health-building secrets from around the world include the importance of building strong social and familial bonds and moving toward a more plant-based diet.

1. French women stay slim with portion control
2. Scandinavians eat farm to table
3. Japanese value family connections
4. Good fats lead to longer lives in the Mediterranean

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