How French and Japanese Women Stay Skinny!

In 2005, two books were published on how French and Japanese women stay skinny! Funny–there were no books about the cultural norm called “the Skinny American Women!” Actually with our SAD (Standard American Diet) culture that would be impossible! Thirty-four percent of American women were obese that year.

So my hairdresser is reading French Women Don’t Get Fat; the secret of eating for pleasure, by Mireille Guiliano.

I considered reading it; I even got if from the library, but then I found the second book, Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat:  Secrets of My Mother’s Tokyo Kitchen, by Naomi Moriyama.

I decided I’d do that American thing and tackle both problems at once so I asked my hairdresser about the French point of view. She told me she picked up tips on buying and eating fresh food. Interestingly, the Japanese book said about the same thing. Buy it fresh! Eat it fresh!

What caught my attention with the Japanese book are the following quotes and my affiliation with Noevir for 25 years where I have met a lot of Japanese and tasted a bit of their culture.

Japan–“the Land of Immortal Women”

Japan–“Where 40-year old women look like they are 20.”

Japan–“Where the women are the world champions on longevity.”

3% of Japanese women are obese.

34% of American women are obese.

I’ve had the honor of visiting Japan twice and Japanese women retain their figures and hide their ages supremely well!

But here’s the biggie–Japanese women enjoy the most years of “healthy life expectancy” of any people group in the world. Where are the Americans? At a dismal #23–and we spend more on health care than anybody else. Something is desperately wrong with this pictures!

So here is the big tip, that every American woman should be taught when she is a little girl!

The Japanese are taught to eat to 80% full!

When have you ever heard an American mom telling her children to leave 20% of their food on their plate? My generation was taught to eat for all the starving children in China, Africa, and India. I’m not sure how that was supposed to help them, but it sure ballooned our figures! You can get quite a discussion going about who your mom thought was starving!–the Africans, Chinese or Indians! Ask your friend.

Well it didn’t really matter–we’re wearing it and have become the “most overfed and undernourished population” in the world!

What to do–

1. Leave 20% of your food on your plate

2. Eat 20% less.

3. Listen to your body–now that’s a thought. When was the last time you listened to your body and turned down a piece of pie or an extra serving of pasta?

Today might be a good day to begin!

Marlee Huber ~ Advocating for your Flourishing Health!