Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons and Japanese habits and lifestyle which helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid being overweight. Japanese are known for their high life expectancy and there are certain things which we can inculcate in our lifestyle as well. Compared to the USA where the obesity rate is 36.2 %, the obesity rate in Japan is a mere 3.6 %.
Some Japanese habits to stay in healthy weight
No snacking
- The Japanese avoid snacking between meals
- Instead of unhealthy snacks, they prefer consuming green tea, matcha tea or any other herbal tea
- Snacking if at all if only on fresh fruits
Eating fresh produce of sea and land veggies
- Japanese include a lot of fresh vegetables from sea and land in their diet
- They don’t overcook the veggies which maintains the nutrients in the veggies
Healthy protein and fat
- To get the requisite healthy protein and fat, fish is the preferred food
- Vegan or vegetarian option of protein is soya
- Eating fermented foods like notto, miso soup, fermented veggies and pickles is another healthy habit of the Japanese
Portion size
- The Japanese eat a variety of food
- But their portion size is very limited
- This ensures there is never any overeating which happens
- The famous Japanese saying is : you eat until you’re 80 % full
Combining carbs with protein and veggies
- The Japanese combine their carbs like white rice with a lot of protein and veggies
- This ensures that the food contains all nutrients which the body needs
- Japanese diet is rich in healthy fat like omega 3
- It is also low in saturated fat
Eating schedule
- The Japanese eat on time, every single time
- The Japanese follow the timelines very strictly
- Breakfast is generally between 0800 to 0900 hours
- Lunch is between 1200 to 1300 hours
- Dinner is served between 1800 to 2000 hours
- The body gets used to these meal timings and it really helps the metabolism of the body
Food isn’t just food
- Japanese look at food as an experience and tradition
- The meal times are treated with the utmost respect
- There are no restrictions around while eating
- Japanese are very mindful of eating and they really enjoy it
- All these are very good for digestion and metabolism
No eating on the go
- Eating on the go is a big No No
- Japanese consider it impolite if you eat while you’re walking
- You’ll rarely find Japanese eating on the street or while riding public transport
- Kids are taught similar values from a very early age
Loads of walking
- Japanese people tend to walk a lot
- Exercising daily is a part of the kid’s routine and walking to school for kids is a part of their culture
- Large number of Japanese don’t own cars
- An average Japanese walks between 7.5 to 10 kms daily
- Bicycle lanes and safe areas for walking can be found aplenty in Japan
Fitness in general
- Japanese are very particular about their fitness
- Going through a number of rigorous physical exams at work is normal
- The healthy system in Japan makes people more conscious of their weight
Reduced stress
- Working hours in Japan may not be the most flexible or less however, the Japanese include a lot of activities to reduce stress in day to day life
Start early
- Japanese kids are taught nutrition and good eating at a very early age
- Kids take part in cooking and serving lunch at school
- Lunch meals are a part of education system
How Are The Japanese So Slim
Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons and Japanese habits and lifestyle which helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid being overweight. Japanese are known for their high life expectancy and there are certain things which we can inculcate in our lifestyle as well. Compared to the USA where the obesity rate is 36.2 %, the obesity rate in Japan is a mere 3.6 %.
Some Japanese habits to stay in healthy weight
No snacking
- The Japanese avoid snacking between meals
- Instead of unhealthy snacks, they prefer consuming green tea, matcha tea or any other herbal tea
- Snacking if at all if only on fresh fruits
Eating fresh produce of sea and land veggies
- Japanese include a lot of fresh vegetables from sea and land in their diet
- They don’t overcook the veggies which maintains the nutrients in the veggies
Healthy protein and fat
- To get the requisite healthy protein and fat, fish is the preferred food
- Vegan or vegetarian option of protein is soya
- Eating fermented foods like notto, miso soup, fermented veggies and pickles is another healthy habit of the Japanese
Portion size
- The Japanese eat a variety of food
- But their portion size is very limited
- This ensures there is never any overeating which happens
- The famous Japanese saying is : you eat until you’re 80 % full
Combining carbs with protein and veggies
- The Japanese combine their carbs like white rice with a lot of protein and veggies
- This ensures that the food contains all nutrients which the body needs
- Japanese diet is rich in healthy fat like omega 3
- It is also low in saturated fat
Eating schedule
- The Japanese eat on time, every single time
- The Japanese follow the timelines very strictly
- Breakfast is generally between 0800 to 0900 hours
- Lunch is between 1200 to 1300 hours
- Dinner is served between 1800 to 2000 hours
- The body gets used to these meal timings and it really helps the metabolism of the body
Food isn’t just food
- Japanese look at food as an experience and tradition
- The meal times are treated with the utmost respect
- There are no restrictions around while eating
- Japanese are very mindful of eating and they really enjoy it
- All these are very good for digestion and metabolism
No eating on the go
- Eating on the go is a big No No
- Japanese consider it impolite if you eat while you’re walking
- You’ll rarely find Japanese eating on the street or while riding public transport
- Kids are taught similar values from a very early age
Loads of walking
- Japanese people tend to walk a lot
- Exercising daily is a part of the kid’s routine and walking to school for kids is a part of their culture
- Large number of Japanese don’t own cars
- An average Japanese walks between 7.5 to 10 kms daily
- Bicycle lanes and safe areas for walking can be found aplenty in Japan
Fitness in general
- Japanese are very particular about their fitness
- Going through a number of rigorous physical exams at work is normal
- The healthy system in Japan makes people more conscious of their weight
Reduced stress
- Working hours in Japan may not be the most flexible or less however, the Japanese include a lot of activities to reduce stress in day to day life
Start early
- Japanese kids are taught nutrition and good eating at a very early age
- Kids take part in cooking and serving lunch at school
- Lunch meals are a part of education system