These Quick Japanese Practices That Helped Me Get Healthier in Just a Month

These Quick Japanese Practices That Helped Me Get Healthier in Just a Month

When I was 18, I went to New York. It was my very first time living outside of Japan, and I recognized the good and the terrible in my own society.

As a teenager, I began to concentrate on the negative. I wanted to appear and behave as Americanized as possible, and I grew to loathe Japan.

It was almost like putting a lid on the Japanese half of myself.

It wasn’t until a couple of years after going back to Japan that I began to fall back in love with my own nation, culture, and lifestyle.

I learned to let myself embrace myself for who I truly am and appreciate my Japanese heritage.

As I relearned and fell back in love with my own culture, I found there are so many good practices that we naturally implement into our everyday lives that make our lives so much better.

Today, I want to share these habits with you so that you may make your life a little bit better wherever you are.

• 1. Start Your Day with Hot Water

I adore drinking coffee, but sometimes it’s just too much for my stomach to take first thing in the morning.

If you have a similar experience, beginning the day with “Saou” or hot water might be a terrific option.

Drinking hot water may help you remain hydrated while keeping your body warm, particularly during winter.

It may also excite the digestive system and make you feel comfortable and calm.

You may drink it as it is or squeeze lemon to add some taste.

• 2. Go Hard for Breakfast

If you’ve been at a luxury hotel in Japan, you know how hard we go for breakfast, and I’m 100% here for it.

Every time I reserve a hotel in Japan, I make sure the package includes breakfast.

• People who eat breakfast more frequently tend to be happier and more cheerful.

Traditional Japanese breakfast includes:

1. white rice
2. miso soup
3. broiled fish
4. natto
5. pickles
6. egg rolls, and more.

It’s incredibly healthful, nutritious, and full, believed to improve energy and promote lifespan.

• 3. Eat a Balanced Meal with the Right Knowledge

Many visitors prefer to eat easy meals every day when they visit Japan, but many of us don’t really do that.

A lot of quick food involves chemicals and sometimes lacks key nutrients like protein, fiber, and vitamins.

From an early age, we learn about nutrition and how to eat balanced meals at school.

In my school, we had a school chef come into the classroom outlining the nutritional aspects of each meal.

We also attended culinary courses beginning in fifth grade to learn how to create nutritious meals.

• 4. Eat Fermented Food

I suppose we all know that Japanese consume a lot of fermented food and sauces.

Personally, I adore eating natto, which is considered a Japanese superfood.

It promotes:

1. heart health
2. good skin
3. digestion
4. bone strength
5. immunological system, and more.

Natto is only one of several fermented foods they consume.

For pickles alone, they have approximately 3,000 distinct varieties. Ingredients like soy sauce, miso, mirin, and sake are all fermented.

• 5. Drink Green Tea

Green tea and matcha offer excellent health advantages.

Many Japanese people like to drink green tea more frequently than matcha since it’s more convenient, cheaper, and faster.

I just attended a tea ceremony session in Kyoto and learned how to properly brew matcha.

It’s more than simply the health advantages; it gives tranquility and a moment of zen.

• 6. The 80% Rule

They say “Hara Hachi Bu” in Japanese, which indicates you only eat until you’re 80% satisfied.

This is considered a secret to a longer and healthier life.

It helps maintain a healthy weight by reducing overeating, which may slow down your digestive system and promote cellular oxidation, eventually aging you quicker.

• 7. Use Small Plates and Eat a Little Bit of Everything

It’s traditional to serve Japanese cuisine in little plates and bowls called “Kobachi.”

This helps your body ingest varied nourishment from numerous sources and avoids overeating.

While using tiny plates might mean extra dishes to wash, it’s a terrific way to enjoy a variety of cuisines.

• 8. Think Before and After Eating

They say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama” after eating.

Both expressions say thank you for the food but have deeper implications.

They convey thanks to the person who prepared, the farmer who farmed the materials, and the life of plants and animals.

It’s a natural method to practice thankfulness.

9. Consume Vinegar

In Japan, they utilize vinegar in different ways, such as in sushi rice.

One of my favorite techniques is preparing a dressing with vinegar or using ponzu sauce, which is wonderful for hot pot, dumplings, or sushi.

You can simply create ponzu at home using vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon.

10. Eat Slowly

My parents always urged me to eat slowly.

Eating slowly makes your stomach feel more content and avoids overeating.

It’s a terrific way to enjoy your food and be aware.

Finally: If You Do Anything, Start with These Simple Japanese Habits.

I got it. Life’s hectic.

You’ve got a million things going on, and establishing new habits might seem daunting.

But believe me when I say this: the simplest modifications may lead to the largest transformations.

These Japanese habits? They’re not groundbreaking, but they are straightforward, practical, and, most importantly, effective.

You don’t need to flip your life upside down to reap the rewards. Start simple: drink hot water in the morning, pay attention to your portions, or slow down your meals.

That’s it.

What I’ve learnt from these practices is this:

You know what? Living healthier and longer isn’t in any miraculous diet or fast cure.

It’s always about consistency…

Just make modest modifications that accord with the way our bodies are supposed to operate.

And if there’s one thing I can tell you after digging into these routines, it’s this: often the simplest habits are the ones that have the largest effect.

So, if you do anything after reading this, start with only one behavior.

See how it feels. Make it your own. Don’t overthink things. It doesn’t need to be flawless, but it has to be authentic.

Happy life!