Sushi and non-sushi fish both play a major role in the Japanese diet, and may help improve your h...
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There are a number of different factors which can be held accountable for why the Japanese, in general, are known to be quite a healthy - and thin - population. By learning more about some of the ways that the Japanese have managed to stay slender, you may be able to find new ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and weight, for yourself.
Driving isn't too Popular in Japan
To conserve gas, most people in Japan find themselves walking or riding their bicycle places. What this means is that they get more exercise than the average American, who not only drives everywhere, but who also is sure to park closest to where he or she is going. Parking further away in parking lots, taking a flight of stairs rather than an elevator or just walking to where you need to get whenever you have the opportunity to is good for your body. You may find that walking more often will actually make you feel better about yourself.
People Eat Lots of Fish in Japan
You probably already know that the Japanese culture is well known for their love of sushi. What you might not know is that they also mainly eat other types of non-sushi fish. In fact, Japan eats more fish than any other culture. We have all heard how healthy the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are for the body, especially the heart, as they work to help prevent heart disease. Most people believe that fish does aid in weight loss, so it may definitely be something that you want to consider eating if you want to lose weight. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are many health issues regarding fish. Doing a little bit of research about these health issues is important to do before you decide to add fish to your diet.
Tofu is a Favorite in Japan
Like it or not, tofu is known to be very healthy for the body. In the Japanese culture, tofu is consumed quite a bit. The phytoestrogens that can be found in tofu are known to help reduce your risk of developing both heart disease and cancer. You can easily take advantage of the health benefits that tofu has to offer the body by adding it to dishes which contain vegetables and whole wheat pastas or grains.
Slower Eating is Practiced in Japan
Driving isn't too Popular in Japan
To conserve gas, most people in Japan find themselves walking or riding their bicycle places. What this means is that they get more exercise than the average American, who not only drives everywhere, but who also is sure to park closest to where he or she is going. Parking further away in parking lots, taking a flight of stairs rather than an elevator or just walking to where you need to get whenever you have the opportunity to is good for your body. You may find that walking more often will actually make you feel better about yourself.
People Eat Lots of Fish in Japan
You probably already know that the Japanese culture is well known for their love of sushi. What you might not know is that they also mainly eat other types of non-sushi fish. In fact, Japan eats more fish than any other culture. We have all heard how healthy the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are for the body, especially the heart, as they work to help prevent heart disease. Most people believe that fish does aid in weight loss, so it may definitely be something that you want to consider eating if you want to lose weight. It is important to keep in mind, however, that there are many health issues regarding fish. Doing a little bit of research about these health issues is important to do before you decide to add fish to your diet.
Tofu is a Favorite in Japan
Like it or not, tofu is known to be very healthy for the body. In the Japanese culture, tofu is consumed quite a bit. The phytoestrogens that can be found in tofu are known to help reduce your risk of developing both heart disease and cancer. You can easily take advantage of the health benefits that tofu has to offer the body by adding it to dishes which contain vegetables and whole wheat pastas or grains.
Slower Eating is Practiced in Japan
Comments
Jina
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/19/2007
I agree with everything except the eating slower part on the Japanese side. Japanese have told me that by eating faster your stomach expands quicker thus they eat quite speedily and eat more. Maybe it was just men trying to get me to eat faster or the teachers wanted to eat quickly then spend the rest of their hour relaxing. I know from my students that they shoveled their food down in minutes. Something I couldnt do if I wanted while teaching in japan.
Andy M
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/21/2007
mmm...the walking etc. kind of depends where you live in Japan cities yes countryside no way! My neighbour drives to the combini...it's a 2 minute walk!! Also most Japanese don't do physical work as they (and US and EU people) used to. I would say looking around the office many are overweight and not healthy (too much salt, alcohol and little exercise), but definitely slimmer than most of the Americans I've seen and some of the Europeans. So in all about the same as Europe and less fat than Americans, but they're working on it....
A
(Guest)
(Guest)
08/20/2007
Don't discount frozen veggies. In America, unless you ahve a farmer's market, frozen veggies are picked fresh and frozen immidiately, thus offering better flavor, AND more nutrients. Just don't boil the heck out of them. Stir Fry or Blanch or make a pate...niiiiice
I love to walk when it isn't too hot.
I also enjoy parking further away, Sophie! Not only do I prefer walking but I also don't have to worry so much about my car getting backed into (which has happened in the past)!
I think the Japanese lifestyle is wonderful. No wonder the Japanese live so much longer. Walking more is always a good thing. I love to walk, but people think I'm crazy when I park further away and tell them I don't mind to walk, only to be met with "Oh yes, Europeans are healthier than Americans, aren't they?"
Sophie
the walking thing works for me...but I would die if I hate sushi (allergy).
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