Natto.
Japanese nutritionist Michiko Tomioka (Michiko Tomioka) was born and raised in Japan. She loved food when she was young. She also likes to cook and share delicious food with relatives and friends.
She said that the Japanese are very concerned about food choices, and the Japanese are the nation with the longest life expectancy in the world; her mother beat cancer and is now 86 years old, and her aunt is 98 years old and is growing strong.
When Tomioka moved to the United States, she tried a variety of popular American foods, but didn't like them very much; as a nutritionist, her eating habits still revolve around Japanese food.
Tomioka has always recommended foods that have curative effects and promote longevity. You will never see Tomioka eating the following six American foods:
- Hot dog
It is difficult to avoid processed meat in the United States, but such meat is high in salt and saturated fat, which increases the risk of colorectal and breast cancer.
Tomioka believes that tofu is a good choice if you want to eat foods that are high in protein, low in salt, and have fewer preservatives. In addition, rice balls with seaweed and tuna are also very good, and rich in important minerals such as iron, calcium, folate, and magnesium.
- Fast Food Burger
When McDonald's opened its first branch in Osaka, Japan, it was a big deal, but Tomioka seldom eats McDonald's.
Like most fast food, McDonald's makes Tomioka feel bloated and tired. The high content of salt, trans fat, and saturated fat in fast food increases the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. content.
Tomioka has switched to tofu burgers. You can put tofu cakes on crispy brown rice balls and sprinkle some edamame. It is economical, environmentally friendly, and healthy.
- Sugary carbonated sodas
Frequent drinking of sugary drinks (such as more than two cans a day) may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes; many sodas contain artificial sweeteners, which can make people unable to concentrate and even have headaches.
Tomioka's preferred low-calorie pick-me-up is green tea, such as iced matcha or hojicha, which is less caffeine.
- Sugary breakfast cereal
In the morning when you don't have time for breakfast, cereal is a great alternative, but avoid the ones with sugar. Too much sugar can raise blood pressure, weight gain, worsen inflammation and increase the risk of diabetes.
Tomioka's top choice for a healthy breakfast is natto, a Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans and multigrain rice.
- Cream cheese
Dairy products are a great source of calcium and protein, but not all dairy products are good for your health.
Tomioka avoids cream cheese because an ounce of popular brands has a whopping 27 milligrams of cholesterol and only about 5 grams of protein. She switched to a soy flour (kinako) spread made with soy flour and sesame paste.
- Candy
You don't have to give up sugar completely. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, but too much sugar and cornstarch can tax your heart and brain.
To satisfy his sweet tooth, Tomioka eats chia seed pudding with honey or agave syrup, frozen bananas, or sugar-free dark chocolate. If you are meeting with friends, a small piece of cake is of course no problem.