Not only is Japanese cuisine delicious, but it’s also good for you. You can make positive changes to your diet when you incorporate more Japanese food and eating habits into your meals. Continue on to learn three healthy eating tips from Japanese culture.
Whole foods can be more beneficial to a diet than processed foods. In America, a lot of our food is processed. Our snacks, desserts, and even some meals are made up of processed ingredients that are deficient in nutrients. Unprocessed foods contain the most raw vitamins and nutrients. Eating more foods in their natural, whole state, such as raw fish, sweet potatoes, and soybean soup, can provide you with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin C, and so much more.
The second healthy eating tip from Japanese culture that Americans can benefit from is sipping on tea. Did you know your feelings of hunger may actually be thirst? If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to drink something before going in for a meal. You may be surprised to find that your “hunger” is satisfied after hydrating.
Japanese people stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking tea. Hot green tea and cold barley tea are two of the most popular teas in Japan. Not only does sipping on tea during the day help you feel full longer, but these liquids also have health advantages. Green tea can reduce inflammation and minimize your risk of heart disease, while barley tea can help ease digestion with its essential vitamins.
The final healthy eating tip we can learn from Japanese people is not to eat until we are full. The people of Okinawa, Japan, live by a custom called “hara hachi bun me.” This ancient concept is from Confucian philosophy. The phrase translates to “eat until you are eight parts full,” meaning eat until you are at 80% of your maximum appetite.
The brain takes some time to realize your stomach is full. If you are eating until you are full, you will feel uncomfortably stuffed soon after. Instead of dealing with this discomfort, eat until you feel 80% full and in about 10 minutes you will feel 100% full and satisfied.
Japanese eating habits can help you improve your relationship with food. If you want to incorporate more Japanese cuisine into your diet, head to Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill for your next meal. We are located at 100 Central Avenue, Suite 1022. in Sarasota, and we hope to see you here soon!