My Ten Yen on Healthy Eating in Japan

Posted on 04/12/2024 Last updated on 04/12/2024

Eating healthy in Japan can make you feel good and bring you joy. Japanese food is famous for using fresh ingredients, having well-balanced flavors, and making dishes look pretty. Sometimes I spend more time admiring the food presentation than actually eating it! Here are some easy ways to eat healthy in Japan.

Give Traditional Japanese Cuisine a Go

Exploring options like sushi, sashimi, miso soup, grilled fish, and steamed vegetables will give you a world of great flavors. You can go to nearby farmers’ markets or grocery stores to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood that are currently being harvested. These ingredients typically have more taste and are rich in nutrients.

Eat the Sea! (not literally)

You can try many different types of seafood in Japan because it has a lot of ocean around it. Seafood is very important in Japanese food. Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines have omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart. Include seafood in your meals often and opt for grilled, steamed, or raw options rather than fried or breaded ones.

Eat Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are commonly eaten in Japanese cooking and offer many good effects for our health. Foods such as miso, natto, and tsukemono are packed with good bacteria called probiotics. These good bacteria are great for keeping our gut healthy and helping with digestion.

Eat Smaller Portions

Japanese meals usually include several small dishes served in moderate amounts. This method can assist you in managing the amount of food you eat and stop yourself from eating too much. Instead of putting a lot of food on your plate, try eating a little bit of different foods like soup, salad, meat or fish, and veggies.

Limit Process Foods

I know how hard it is to completely adhere to this, but foods like instant ramen, frozen meals, and snack usually have a lot of salt, bad fats, and chemicals added to them. Try to eat fewer processed foods and choose fresh, natural ingredients whenever you can.

Watch the Carbs

I have been reminded of this statement numerous times since deciding to move to Japan, so I feel compelled to share it. Remember to pay attention to how much rice and noodles you eat. Rice and noodles are popular foods in Japanese cooking. When including them in your diet, it is important to pay attention to how much you eat, especially if you are limiting your carbohydrate intake. Choose a smaller amount of food or select whole grain options like brown rice or soba noodles instead. These foods have more fiber and nutrients to benefit your health.

Drink Tea to Stay Hydrated

Japanese green tea, like sencha or matcha, is a popular drink that has many health advantages. This thing has lots of antioxidants, can make your body work faster, and helps you feel calm. Drink tea all day to keep yourself hydrated and enjoy the good effects on your health.

Be Careful of Hidden Sugars

in Japanese dishes, especially in desserts and sweetened drinks. While it’s okay to have some traditional Japanese sweets like mochi occasionally, it’s better to not have too many sugary treats. Instead, choose fresh fruits as a healthier option.

Conclusion

Have a great time eating in Japan. Eating healthy here is not only about the food, but also about the whole dining experience. Make sure to enjoy and appreciate your meals by taking your time to enjoy the tastes and textures. Also, have fun eating with other people. When you eat, paying attention and being thankful can make you feel better overall.

Don’t forget that having a balanced and moderate diet is important for staying healthy. Cheers!!!

Top photo: ojisan200 on PhotoAC