Insights from the Diets of Japanese Abroad

Japanese students in North America can give us some insight. It is difficult for anyone to immerse themselves in a foreign diet, but their comments are revealing. I have been sending Japanese students to North America for 28 years, and I often hear “I miss vegetables” “The food is too greasy for me” and “I want to drink Japanese tea” instead of pop or sugary drinks.   Their digestive and metabolic system seem to suffer from fewer vegetables, more oil and cheese, and a richer taste of food. The majority tend to gain weight. 

Interestingly, some students say that they don’t feel satiated after eating a North American meal.  They say that they tend to feel hungry soon.  They surmised that North Americans may snack between meals and eat sweet desserts since their meals fail to keep them feeling full.

Japanese food may help us shed weight.