The Japanese people are notorious for their high health standards and superior longevity stats. Here are 5 benefits of the Japanese diet:
1. Plenty of Fishy Goodness
Being an island nation, Japan is famous for its huge variety of seafood options, particularly with its wide selection of raw fish. The abundance and accessibility of raw fish in Japan is a key factor for their high levels of health and low levels of obesity, as these fish are high in inflammation-inducing omega-3 nutrients.
2. Low to No Sugar Drinks
In much of the world’s nations, particularly in Western culture, the prevalence of high-sugar drinks is pretty high, and the lack of low or no sugar options makes it very difficult to turn them down.
However, making a conscious effort to avoid such options and try to seek out the Japanese-inspired green teas, barley drinks and black coffees are sure to help you on your weight loss journey. These options are rich in antioxidants which help to break down foods, and the absence of sugar will ensure no unnecessary calories are added to your post-meal beverage.
While soft drinks like cola do exist in Japan, you simply have so many more healthier options to choose from which makes it easier to avoid the bad stuff. Furthermore, many Japanese-branded soft drinks have lower sugar content than the typical can of Coke or Pepsi in other countries.
3. Fermented Superfoods
There is an arsenal of superfoods at your disposal provided by the traditional Japanese diet. Natto beans, miso soup, and matcha green tea are all examples of superfoods and drinks that are rich in many vitamins that are hard to find.
From vitamins A, C, E, and K to complex B-vitamins, these superfoods are great ways to regulate your digestive system and keep you energized throughout the day. While these foods are slightly challenging to find as they may be hiding in the corners of your local Asian grocer, the benefits it has for your weight loss journey is insurmountable.
4. Smaller Portions
There is a saying in Japanese culture known as “Hara Hachi Bu”, which means “eat until you are 80% full.” This is a counter-intuitive mindset in the Western world, as it is common for many people to eat until they are completely full and even go beyond that.
By not only adapting the foods and drinks consumed in the traditional Japanese diet but also the portion sizes, you are bound to make great progress in losing weight. By adapting the mindset of eating to live rather than living to eat, you will be on your way to a fast and effective weight loss solution.
5. Plenty of Variety
When it comes to dieting, variety is key. Luckily, the traditional Japanese diet more than caters to this through its absolute abundance of high-quality choices. From practically every type of fish you can imagine to the healthiest greens and superfoods on the farms, there are countless rice, noodle, and meat dishes you can put together to help you.
Of course, depending on your location on this Earth, access to all of the traditional Japanese dietary options may be limited, particularly to the local Asian stores in your town. Nevertheless, implementing aspects of the diet is more than possible, as many ingredients can be substituted for an available alternative.
No need to delay, try the traditional Japanese diet today!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!