If you’re searching for a holistic approach to achieve a fit physique, the Japanese might have the answers. Beyond popularized sushi and ramen, the Land of the Rising Sun has practical and effective ways that contribute to their notably low obesity rates. Here’s how they maintain such impressive health stats without resorting to extreme diets.
Why the World Struggles While Japan Stays Slim
In our current society, especially in Europe and America, the fixation to achieve a perfect physique collides with the rising issues of obesity and overweight tendencies. Sedentary lifestyles coupled with high-calorie and fatty food intake are significant culprits. Most individuals, aiming for quick and effortless weight loss, opt for “miracle” diets and sporadic physical activity. These solutions are usually short-lived and don’t deliver the anticipated results. As the world struggles, we see a different narrative in Japan, where only 3.5% of the population is obese compared to Spain’s 21% and the USA’s 33%.
Japan’s Seven Slimming Strategies
The Power of Digestible Diets: Japanese often consume easily digestible foods. In summer, raw food items are preferred to combat the heat, while winter sees them leaning towards cooked dishes.
The “Hara Hachi Bu” Philosophy: Derived from the Okinawan tradition, this method focuses on consuming food only until they’re 80% full, preventing overeating. This contrasts with many Western cultures where it’s common to eat until one’s completely full.
Physical Activity, Not Gym Torture: Instead of exhausting gym sessions, Japanese engage in moderate daily exercises. Practices like walking, yoga, and stretching are standard, which also help mitigate stress – a significant factor contributing to fat retention.
Balanced Eating with Yin and Yang: The macrobiotic diet, developed by philosopher George Ohsawa, promotes eating in harmony. The diet primarily consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and derived products, all while balancing the energies of yin and yang.
Embracing Warm Baths: Immersing in hot baths, with temperatures between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, offers multiple benefits. It aids in calorie burning, reducing blood sugar levels, decreasing inflammation, and promoting quality sleep.
Breathe and Burn Fat: The prolonged breathing technique, where one inhales for three seconds and exhales for seven, helps in breaking down fat. The more oxygen the body uses, the more fat it burns.
Posture Perfection: A good posture, as emphasized by the renowned Dr. Toshiki Fukutsudzi, can aid weight loss. The technique involves sitting with straight legs and a rolled towel behind the back, then laying down with the towel under the waist, and aligning the body in specific postures. Maintaining these postures for at least five minutes can be beneficial.
Good health isn’t merely about restrictive diets or punishing workouts. Japan showcases that a balanced approach to eating, regular moderate exercise, and mindfulness can lead to a leaner, healthier body.
My name is Maggie and I’m a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on joehovasmf.com and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it’s about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.