Growing up in Japan, I fell in love with food from an early age. One of my favorite things to do is cook for friends and family.
Japanese people are very conscious about their diet. It shows: the longest living people in the world. My mother is a cancer survivor and is 86 years old, and her aunt is doing well at 98.
When I moved to the United States, I experimented with various diets and food trends popular in the United States. But my body didn’t respond well to many things.Well, as nutritionistMy approach is mainly centered around the Japanese diet.
I always recommend foods that are medicinal and promote longevity. Here are 6 foods you’ve never seen me eat.
It’s nearly impossible to avoid processed meat if you live in the US, but it’s not only high in salt, it’s also loaded with saturated fat that can increase your risk of certain cancers, including: colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
What I eat instead: If you want something high in protein and low in salt and preservatives, choose tofu. I also love cereal rice balls with tuna wrapped in seaweed. Rich in important minerals such as iron, calcium, folic acid and magnesium.
When McDonald’s opened its first store in Osaka, Japan, it made headlines. I only ate there as a rare treat.
But like most fast food, it made me Feeling bloated and tired, so I’ve stopped since then. Plus, it’s high in salt, trans fat, and saturated fat, which can increase levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol in your blood.
What I eat instead: The tofu hamburger is surprisingly delicious. I like crispy brown rice balls with tofu patties and edamame toppings. An economical and environmentally friendly choice.
artificial sweetener Dissolving it in soda can wreak havoc on your metabolism and increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease. According to research.
As a consistent part of your diet, artificial chemicals can also reduce your ability to concentrate, causing foggy thoughts and confusion. even migraines.
What I eat instead: My favorite refreshing low-calorie beverages are green teas such as iced matcha and hojicha (low caffeine).
When I’m in a hurry in the morning and don’t have time to eat, I default to cereal. But I never eat anything with added sugar or unknown ingredients.
Too much sugar can cause problems for the body blood pressure, weight gain, increased inflammationand put you risk of diabetes.
What I eat instead: My go-to healthy breakfast alternatives are natto and millet rice, a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans.
Dairy products are great sources of calcium and protein, but not all cheese products offer the best health benefits.
I tend to avoid cream cheese because the most popular consumer brands only give you about 5 grams of protein. And just 1 ounce can contain a whopping 27 milligrams of cholesterol.
What I eat instead: My favorite flavorful spread is kinako, which is made from soy flour and sesame paste.
You don’t have to eliminate all candy from your diet. For example, dark chocolate is rich in: disease-fighting antioxidants. However, if there are too many sweets containing plenty of sugar and cornstarch, harmful to your mind and your brain.
What I eat instead: To satisfy your sweet cravings, eat chia seed pudding with honey or agave syrup, frozen bananas, or unsweetened dark chocolate. Of course, it’s perfectly fine to have a small cake with your friends on a special occasion.
Michiko Tomioka, MBA, RDN is a Certified Dietitian and Longevity Expert. Born and raised in Nara, Japan, her approach focuses on a plant-based diet. She has held nutritional roles at material recovery centers, charter schools, and food banks. follow her on her instagram @michian_rd.
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