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4. Variety

A recent study showed that Japanese people eat an average of 100 different foods a week, compared to just 30 in other western countries. This well balanced diet provides all the nutrients the body needs.

A premium is also placed upon freshness and natural flavor; people like to eat ingredients at their "shun" or "now-in-season" in Japanese.

Eating the ingredients in season provides variety and a better way to get all the nutrients you need naturally; also a lot of raw foods are eaten that have a higher nutritional value than heavily cooked foods.

5. Portion Control

Portions tend to be smaller and are savored, and it is this portion control that stops binging and over eating.

Each portion is eaten slowly, so the stomach has more time to register when it is full. Eating slowly also aids digestion and absorption of the nutrients in the food.

6. Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, giving a boost of energy and preventing hunger pangs later.

A typical breakfast might include green tea, steamed rice, miso soup with tofu, spring onions and maybe omelet and grilled salmon. Sounds better than Muesli to me!

7. Cook Light

In the Japanese diet, food is usually steamed, pan-fried, simmered or stir fried over intense heat. This method of cooking helps the food retain more of the nutrients and particularly anti ageing antioxidants.

8. Enjoy Sweets

The Japanese diet has room for these treats.

They love chocolate, pastries, ice cream and cookies.

The difference is they view them as a regular treat and do not overdo the portions.

One of the Best Diets on Earth

When looking at healthy diets it is clear that the Japanese have one of the best diets on earth:

· Low in cholesterol and fat

· Well balanced

A huge variety of foods to enjoy so you will never get bored.

Japanese Diet During Pregnancy

Is it safe to eat sushi or seared fish during pregnancy?

Some types of sushi, such as California rolls (which contain steamed crab) and cooked eel, are fine to eat while you're pregnant. But it's best to avoid eating the kinds that contain raw seafood, such as tuna.

Fresh, raw seafood is potentially risky because it can contain parasites such as tapeworm, which, if they grow large enough, could rob your body of nutrients needed for your growing baby. Even raw fish that has been frozen first can be dangerous, as the fish can have toxins that will pass through to your baby.

Junk Food During Pregnancy

Eating large quantities of junk food when pregnant and breastfeeding could cause irreversible damage to their unborn children and send their offspring on the road to obesity and early onset of diabetes.

Japanese Diet and Diabetes

While many American Japanese people are suffering from type 2 diabetes - Japanese Diets do not lead to type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is due to many other factors including obesity, inactivity, and genetic makeup. In fact men of Japanese descent who adopted a Westernized lifestyle – a high-fat diet and little activity – had almost twice the rate of type II diabetes than men living a more traditional Japanese lifestyle. The men who ended up with diabetes were sedentary and overweight. They also ate significantly more fat and fewer carbohydrates.