Second, the study found that the French participants didn't snack, generally defined as consuming one to two between-meal foods, such as a handful of peanuts and a glass of orange juice. The French ate less than one snack a day. Like Americans, the French traditionally consume three meals a day. But that's where the similarity ends. Their substantial lunch and dinner often usurps the need for a snack.
Food is a life pleasure, and it's meant to be enjoyed.
For both lunch and dinner, people tend not to rush if they can help it. Still, many French find the practice distasteful. It seems downright un-American not to snack. Snacking also can be fattening because it contributes to total calorie consumption. According to Levitsky, when people are allowed snacks, they may eat as much at their next meal as if they didn't snack.