We have just come back from our 3 weeks trip to Japan and I do agree with this article.
I found the interesting article written by HuffPost called “The healthiest people in the world eat a lot of Carbs“. The dietary guide on this article is very different from ours in the U.S. Notice it says “Enjoy snacks, confection, and beverages moderately!”.
I was able to eat whatever I want anytime I go to Japan even though I have been severely gluten and dairy sensitive for last 30 years living in the U.S. Anytime I go back home (Kobe city in Japan), I eat a lot of dishes but ended up losing weight. Despite the fact I suffer a couple of days from 13 hours jet-lag (means less sleep), I have a good appetite. There’s something about the food, the real whole foods I eat while I am in Japan…? I tend to eat a lot of fish, eggs, and foods made from the real soy.” Even the prepared foods sold at the market or at the local seven eleven expire the end of the day. They will not sell the sandwich to you if you are at the store at 8 pm because it was made at 7 am in the morning means. I was told it is already old!
Another article “Metabolic Disease – How do some cultures stay lean while consuming high amounts of carbohydrates?” written by Peter Attia, tell you about the myth about high carbohydrate consuming Japanese. I think the important key point he is making is #3. Omega-3 fish oil intake vs Omega-6 from the prepared foods, baked goods, vegetable oils etc… all belong to Omega-6. When this ratio turns off-balance, the inflammation occurs. Japanese people eat a lot of carbohydrates from while rice to noodles but eat a lot of fish! I did not see a bottle of fish oils sold at the drug stores. Well, back in the U.S., the variety of fish I am able to eat is limited but I will try my best to eat more and take an extra fish oil. By the way, not all noodles are high in carbs. Shirataki Noodles is used very often in many dishes in Japan. Gluten-Free, high-fiber, and it is very low-calorie noodles. You can buy at the local Asian market or on Amazon – another one.
