Japanese people are one of the healthiest and fittest people in the world. This is because of their healthy lifestyle, especially their food habits. They have a longer life span and are usually free from various diseases. When you go to a Japanese restaurant and order food, you may feel that the servings are small, but they are full of energy and enough to make you fell full. They usually stop eating when the stomach is 80% full. The appearance and the rich aroma of the food add to the quality of the food.
Benefits of Japanese Diet for Health:
Japanese food is very healthy and it is also cooked in a healthy way. There is a wide range of Japanese dishes, including vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes. They are very nutritious and one of the wonderful things about them is that they provide you high energy. People here eat small quantities of food, enjoying the food and its taste. As a result the food is easily digested and all the nutrients are absorbed by the body. Japanese diet is excellent for losing weight and obese people are advised to follow this diet to improve their metabolism.
Nutritional Value:
High protein:
The Japanese way of cooking is mainly based on steaming or boiling. As a result the quality of the food is retained and no nutrition is lost from the food. Meat, vegetables, greens etc provide high protein. Milk and milk products also provide you enough protein. Fish is one of the main sources of proteins in Japanese diet.
Low calorie:
In a Japanese diet, all the basic ingredients used are low in calorie. Rice, greens, noodles, tofu etc are some of the examples. They are digested easily and are good for the health.
Omega 3 fatty acids:
Fish is one of the most important foods among Japanese people. Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which is very essential for keeping the body healthy. It keeps you physically fit and active and is also good for your muscles and joints. Consuming fish keep them flexible and strong as you get older. Omega 3 fatty acids are also beneficial for preventing various diseases like arthritis and heart diseases.
Visual delight:
In most of the table arrangements, the food after it is prepared is served in a huge platter. But in Japan the food is served in small quantities in small and attractive bowls and plates. When these plates and bowls with various food items are arranged on the table, it provides a visual treat that you cannot resist. Anyone seeing such an attractive arrangement feels like tasting each of the items and relishes the different flavors. In addition to looking attractive, the food is also good for your stomach and keep you healthy and energetic. You eat less but your stomach feels full and contented.
Important information about Japanese Diet:
Japanese Diet Fish Plan:
Japanese people love to eat fish and it is included in almost all the meals they have in a day. Japanese consume an average of half a pound of fish daily. Fish is available easily and in large amounts in Japan. As you know, fish is rich in proteins and healthy fats. It is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Salmon, tuna, trout, shrimp etc are some of the fish that are consumed by Japanese people. They take it raw, baked, pickled, grilled or dried. Usually every meal in Japan includes one hot and one cold seafood dish. Having fish regularly helps in keeping away many physical ailments and also protests you from various diseases, including cancer. Japanese people think that fish helps in keeping their skin naturally beautiful.
Japanese Rice Diet Plan:
Rice is the staple food of Japanese people and is included in most of their dishes. No Japanese meal is complete without rice. If it is not the basic ingredient in many of the vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes, then these dishes are served along with a small portion of rice. They use rice in suchi, soup and many other dishes, which make them easy to digest. Adding rice makes the food filling also, so that by eating a small quantity of the food, your stomach will be full. In some dishes they use rice noodles instead of rice. White rice is rich in protein but low in calories and fat. It is also rich in folates. Brown rice contains more protein and fiber.
Japanese Sea weeds Diet Plan:
Japanese food includes greens and seasonal vegetables in large quantities. Among them sea weeds is one of the most common ingredients. Sea weeds are used to make various dishes, ranging from healthy dishes that are not spicy to the spicy dishes made for feasts and celebrations. Sea weeds are easily available in Japan and they are known for their low calorie. They are rich sources of minerals and micro-elements. Sea weeds are full of fibers and they help in lowering the cholesterol levels. They are also good for weight loss.
Japanese Soy Diet:
Soy is full of proteins and people in Japan make a variety of dishes with it. It may be used as an ingredient in all types of meals. Japanese people have soy for their breakfast and also at any other time of the day. Soy is included in many of the snacks as well. Tofu is also full of energy and low in calories. Foods like this make the Japanese healthy and full of energy. Soy is a good substitute for animal protein and people who are vegetarians benefit a lot from consuming it.
So, try Japanese diet for a change and see how it affects your health. First enjoy the beauty of the food and then eat it slowly, savoring every bit of the food. This way you will eat less but get all the nutrients from the food you eat.