The Japanese are known for their robust life expectancy and slender waistlines; it’s got to be the food right? Japanese cuisine is hailed as one of the healthiest in the world, and it can be. But be careful not to automatically associate Japanese food with health. It’s not all good, and this write up is here to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. These are just tips people, at the end of the day eat whatever you want.

Sugar

Sugar. I know what you’re thinking: “yea, yea, we got it. Sugar is the white death.” All I’m saying is that modern Japanese food is bursting with sugar and your illiterate gaijin eyes are unable to warn you of the sheer volume of sugar you are likely consuming. If you are the type to read nutrition labels, here is the Kanji for sugar: 糖類 or 砂糖, read and avoid.

If you are like me and can’t even be bothered to even read nutrition labels in English, I recommend using the taste test. Your veggie health drink tastes great? That’s sugar. Eating some Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)  doused with some tasty sauce… that’s sugar… Use this to steer away from potential sugar bombs and you should be ok.

Natto

Natto, or fermented soy beans are a polarizing food group in the expat community. Some are repulsed my the slimy, sticky texture and strong odor and others have learned to love it. Personally I’m on team natto. What it lacks in taste, it makes up for in micronutrients, protein and probiotics. This is one of the closest things to a superfood one can find. Just how complete of a food is natto? Legend even has it that there is an old Hiroshima based bodybuilder that built his physic exclusively eating natto.

Konbini health food

Japanese convenience stores have some healthy options for those disciplined individuals capable of avoiding the abundance of delicious deathtraps. I personally go straight for the nuts, tea, fruit, natto and eggs. When I am feeling especially hardcore, I will buy some cold cooked salad chicken and feast on it like Smeagol eating a live fish. Next time you are in the Konbini, take a look with a healthy lense and see what you can find.

Japanese Fast Food

This is where Japan really shines; Japanese fast food is actually moderately healthy if you order properly. In many places in the west, eating optimally is easy… so is eating horribly. With Japanese fast food, eating healthy(ish) is effortless, the key is in the side dishes. Just order sides of kimchi, natto, green onions and spinish and walk out feeling satisfied with your dietary choices.

Green Tea

Don’t drink your calories. Japan will tempt you and test your resolve with vending machines and Konbinis slinging sugar at every corner, just say no kids. For those (like myself) unable to go cold turkey, substitute one drug for another with green tea. It gives you a refreshing taste, caffeine rush and micronutrients with zero calories! For the caffeine addicted, 200 yen can buy you two liters of sugar free power!

Bonus Tip: Eat more Nabe

Nabe in Japanese simply means a big cooking pot. It is a veggie and meat based soup that is best known as the fuel of choice for sumo wrestlers. It is tasty and super easy to cook, just chuck in all the veggies and meat you want and dig in! (rice is optional).

This is what I personally do, share your Japanese health secrets down below!

Check out our how to get fit on a budget article here!

 

 

 

– Moderately healthy natto enthusiast