japanese women don’t get old…

This summer, I’ve been lugging around a copy of the book “Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat” by Naomi Moriyama and William Doyle. I first picked this one up in a quaint bookstore in Kota Kinabalu… just a glance of the words “anti-ageing” and “slimming” was enough for me to part with my precious $10, even though I haven’t bought or read a book in years (shame, shame,shame)

No regrets because after all, am an avid disciple of Japanese cooking and for the past year, have turned into a tea-drinker more than a coffee-drinker. At first glance, the book looks like the answer to the seemingly haughty, popular title “French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure.” I am more inclined to believe the Asian version as I’ve only encountered a few French but have seen a number of Japanese who are something like 60 years old but look only like they’re 40.

So what’s the secret? The book shares a few recipes and easy tips to living agelessly and healthily:

1. Practice hara hachi bunme - eat until you are 80 per cent full.

2. Become a master portion controller - serve modest-sized portions on small, beautiful tableware.

3. Eat and chew your food at a leisurely pace, savouring every bite.

4. Take special time to admire the beauty of your food and its presentation.

5. Eat more fish, fruits and vegetables - and fewer saturated fats and trans fats.

6.Cook with rapeseed (or canola) oil.

7.Treat yourself to a Japanese power breakfast: miso soup with vegetables, egg and tofu.

8. Think of vegetables more often as a main dish - and red meat as a side or occasional dish.

9. Have a bowl of short-grain white or brown rice with your meals instead of white bread, baps or rolls.

10. Instead of fizzy drinks, drink cold, unsweetened Japanese tea.

11. Walk everywhere you can.

12. Remember that loving to eat well is an important part of being healthy - and that cooking and eating should be fun.

Related read here.

Posted in Munchin' |