At a recent health trends luncheon I attended, Dr. Mark Drucker shared some Japanese nutrition secrets. The most surprising part? Adopting Eastern eating habits is actually really simple! Here are five essential things the Japanese can teach us about eating right and staying healthy.
Small portions
Taught to finish your meal as a kid? Most Americans are, which is why we scarf down everything on our already oversized dinner plates. The Japanese eat off of small, ornate dishes that only allow for modest portions so they finish all their food without overeating. Try swapping a salad plate for your usual dinner dish and portion control will be easy!
Opt for Veggies
The Japanese nosh on veggies all day long. And according to research from UCLA and Louisiana State University, eating plenty of raw vegetables and salad leads to healthy levels of folic acid, vitamins C and E, and alpha and beta-carotene. And with this healthy dressing recipe, your nutritious salad snack just got better.
Choose Fish
When it comes to keeping your heart healthy, fish is where it's at. Rich in Omega-3s (an essential fatty acid), fishy diets can stave off heart disease - a major health treat to many Americans. Want to whip up your own seafood delicacy? Try our Sea Bass recipe! For sushi lovers, be sure to read our tips on nabbing the best (and healthiest) raw snack around.
Go for Rice
According to the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, at least half of our calorie intake should come from complex carbohydrates! Surprise, surprise, brown rice is a great source and a staple in almost every Japanese dish! Other benefits to a brown rice diet? It's low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Here's a great recipe for a Japanese inspired, rice-centric meal!
Appreciate subtle sweets
An eastern diet doesn't mean no sweets! But you might rethink your idea of the perfect dessert. Instead of indulging in a hefty slice of chocolate cake, which could take years off your life, consider fruit as a dessert option - it's a common choice among the Japanese. Still need your chocolate fix? Whip up these healthy chocolate covered strawberries in minutes.
- By Sarah Schmidt, Editorial Intern
MORE FROM SELF:
