Over the past fifty years and beyond, most western countries were not receiving an accurate portrayal of Asian cuisine. The fast food, or MSG-ridden restaurants that sprouted up all over the world may be delicious, but do not showcase the meals and ingredients that were part of the aver

age Japanese, Korean, and Chinese diets. Not only do these cultures live to record ages, many report that they are thinner, happier, and healthier due to a few key ingredients of their cuisine. Here are some of the basics of Asian cuisine that promote huge weight loss and healthier living.

A key piece of nearly everyone’s diet is the carbohydrate. This is also one of the biggest points of contention between many western and Asian diets. Outside of Japan, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia, bread is the main form of carbohydrates for most. While limited amounts of wheat bread can be beneficial due to its fiber content, most opt for white, processedbreads. They are also eaten with nearly every meal beginning with toast in the morning, sandwiches at lunch, and then rolls at dinner.
Within most Asian cultures, the carbohydrate of choice is rice. Rice has many of the same properties as bread or even other starches, but a different stance is taken on this food. Instead of being the cornerstone of a meal, rice is a supplement to the other ingredients. Smaller portions are used and there is less lof a chance that rice harvesting companies are putting in sugars or dyes, a common practice for many bread companies.

So what is sitting next to the rice? One of the most common answers is a very large portion of vegetables. Terrifying statistics are released yearly, portraying millions of western diets centering around processed vegetables, such as french fries. Even mashed or boiled, potatoes should only be eaten in limited quantities. When deep-fried and salted, they become a terrifying enemy to weight loss.
Many Asian cultures instead opt for raw, steamed, or wok’d vegetables. Utilizing a variety of fruits and vegetables that have been tampered with, cooked, and processed the least is the absolute best option for weight loss. They should also remain one of the largest components of any healthy diet and can be used in every meal.

There are many other examples of small additions to the Asian diet that promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. These include fresh legumes, raw or lightly cooked seafoods, tofu as a major source of protein, and green tea. As with any component of a diet, all ingredients should be used in moderation and balanced with other items. For those that are looking to Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine for weight loss, it may be time to pick up a warm cup of green tea and begin thinking about the change.

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