Secrets from Japan: The Art of Food

Secrets from Japan: The Art of Food

I’m a huge fan and proponent of the traditional Japanese diet. After several trips to Japan, my partner and I became hooked on all of the healthy aspects of the Japanese style of food. Not only did we find ourselves satisfied and full after rich meals, we also lost weight. A year after we adopted the Japanese style of home cooking 12 pounds disappeared from my body.

Here are some highly attractive qualities of both the food and culture of eating in Japan:

1. Foods are packed with nutritional punch. Some of the most frequently consumed items are things like seaweed, green tea, miso, and ume.

2. Freshness is vital. People search for the freshest ingredients at the grocery store and meals are made based on what is fresh in the grocery store.

3. Seasonal Eating. The Japanese celebrate seasons more than any culture I’ve encountered. As seasons shift and colors of cherry blossoms or brilliant maple leaves change so do the magnificent foods. Foods are celebrated when their time is ripe.

4. It’s all about Quality, not Quantity. It is inherent in the Japanese culture to produce fruits and vegetables of the most impeccable quality. Unlike in the US, where agriculture is based on mass and genetic modifications to increase yield. Japanese are likely to pay more (or grow their own) to obtain the highest quality.

5. Meals delight the senses. The entire eating experience is an art in Japan. Food is adorned with natural elements like leaves and edible berries. Splashes of color enhance the texture, smell, and taste.

6. Small portion size. Americans may devour an entire bowl of edamame while in Japan people are often served a dish with only 2 delicious pods. By serving food in small dishes, portions are naturally smaller and people eat less.

7. Non Dairy and Less Wheat. Dairy is a rarity in Japanese food. Rice replaces wheat as the most commonly used carbohydrate. Therefore, this cuisine is ideal for those with wheat and dairy allergies.

When I eat in Japan or if I prepare Japanese food in my own kitchen I always feel thoroughly satisfied. There’s no need to grab a midnight snack because my body is not deprived of all the delightful elements of eating.

Naomi Moriyama describes the principles of a good Japanese diet in her book: Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat: Secrets of My Mother's Tokyo Kitchen. She also shares some fun recipes from her mother’s kitchen. This book gets mixed reviews partly because it doesn’t necessarily speak to a greater (suburban, American, mother) audience. However, Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat is ideal for people who:

1) Are interested in taking the time to prepare rich and healthy meals at home

2) Enjoy Japanese cuisine (beyond sushi)

3) Have struggled with the standard American diet and are looking for alternatives

4) Are looking for support and encouragement to create healthy lifestyle changes