In Japan, a lot of emphasis is placed on food’s appearance. The Japanese eat small portions and use colourful, seasonal vegetables. This is a brilliant solution because the portion size reduces caloric intake and the vegetables provide those all-important nutrients. Not only that, but it’s a well-known
fact that we eat with our eyes and a visually attractive meal is much more likely to make eating more appealing. By the way, only around 5 per cent of Japan’s population are actually classed as obese.
ETHIOPIA
The Ethiopian diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world and consists of lots of root vegetables, beans and lentils, and is very light on dairy. They use something called ‘teff flourc’ to make flat breads; it’s really high in fibre, vitamin C and protein. Teff grains themselves (if you can get hold of them) would make a great substitute for rice.
MEXICO
In Mexico, you’ll often see jugs of this: `Aguas Frescas’. This flavoured water is made by blending fruit andor seeds with sugar and good ol’ H20 to encourage water consumption. Although the Mexican version is very sugary, it’s easy to make a healthy version by infusing water with cucumber, strawberries or jasmine flowers. It’s a neat life hack for getting more into your daily healthy eating plan.
ITALY
The Italians like a decent glass of red wine with a meal. It’s been suggested that moderate wine consumption can increase longevity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. That’s only when drunk in moderation. Ya hear me?
CHINA
Eating with chopsticks slows down food intake and, well, the Chinese have perfected the art over centuries.Research also shows that eating slower can lead to a lower caloric intake. Time to invest in some new sticks…
GREECE
From Greece, one healthy eating habit worth taking note of is their frequent use of olive oil. It’s full of Omega 3 fatty acids, a well-known healthy fat.Greece also has the highest vegetable consumption in the world as veg is often the main part of a dish. It’s been shown that eating a plant-based diet can help to keep you ageing healthily.Rather nice.
THE NETHERLANDS
The Dutch are typically known for their restraint when it comes to snacks between meals. I’m not saying they don’t have a biscuit with their cups of tea -it’s just that they only have one.To be honest, that’s one healthy eating habit we’re really going to struggle with.
FRANCE
Although the French are known for including lots of rich foods in their diet, they actually don’t eat very much of it. That is, the portions are a lot smaller and generally eaten at a slower pace (which, as you’ve read, is good for reducing caloric intake). They also rarely eat fast or processed food.
BRAZIL
Finally, in Brazil, fruit isn’t shunned for it’s natural sugar content as it is here.Rather, it’s used by gym goers as a natural source of energy before their workout. Better than a sugary energy drink we s’pose.
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