Diet Programs And Meals - The Okinawa Diet

The Okinawa Diet was created by Makoto Suzuki. It is based on the
nutritional habits of people who live in the Ryukyu Islands including
the city of Okinawa in southern Japan. In the past these people had the
longest life expectancy in the world. This is a long term or life long
diet. You will eat 300 calories a day less than your caloric
expenditure. Stop eating before you are full. 78% of your nourishment
comes from vegetable sources. Privileged foods include rice, soy, and
fish. Eat as little dairy products as possible. Here are some of the
diet principles.



Eat about 80% of the food you feel you need. Eat low-calorie foods;
these are foods that may contain the highest level of micronutrients.
Eat seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Eat seven
servings of legumes and grains daily. Eat two servings of soy daily. Eat
algae; they include numerous minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Eat
fish three times a day. Limit your consumption of animal products,
replacing them with vegetable proteins. Drink very little alcohol but
drink a small amount of red wine regularly. You should try to avoid
sugar and salt such as in prepared foods. Drink a lot of water and tea.



The Okinawa Diet claims to reduce the risks of diabetes, excess
cholesterol, cancer, and heart disease. It also claims to lower stress
and fight against aging. This diet has the advantage of being easy to
follow, unless you are a fan of salt or sugar. You may find yourself
hungry.



Here are two sample menus:



Menu 1



Breakfast: A slice of carrot cake. A nectarine. Tea.



Lunch: A few sushi. Algae soup. Grated carrots. Tea.



Supper: Miso soup. A bowl of white rice. Cucumber salad. A banana. Tea.



Menu 2



Breakfast: A two-egg herb omelet. Two slices of bran bread. An apple. Tea.



Lunch: A lettuce, tomato, tofu, and endive sandwich on whole-grain bread. A bowl of rice. An orange. Tea.



Supper: Soy and carrot salad. A bowl of white rice. Curried lentils. A peach. Tea.



Some information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La
Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by
Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction
programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed
discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible
des Regimes is presently available only in French.