The Chopsticks Diet: Japanese-inspired Recipes for Easy Weight-Loss
Though the traditional Japanese diet is often much healthier than Westerners', writer and author Barber (The Japanese Kitchen, Japanese Pure and Simple) says the real secret is how the meals are consumed. Chopsticks, she says, have a twofold benefit: forcing diners to pay attention to their food, and slowing down the eating process so that, ultimately, fewer calories are consumed. Even if would-be dieters opt for a fork and spoon, those with a taste for Japanese food will find plenty of healthy options. Breakfast selections include traditional porridge and smoothies that rely on tofu rather than yogurt for creaminess. Domburi, essentially a rice bowl with various toppings, and noodle-based dishes dominate lunch options. Barber keeps her dishes visually appealing as well, adding a burst of color and flavor by sprinkling ruby red pomegranate seeds on her Daikon, Edamame and Avocado Salad with Yuzu Viniagrette, and her Lump Crabmeat and Pomegranate Sushi; her sushi recipes, what Westerners would call deconstructed, make preparation pressure-free by simply assembling the rice, nori and fillings (smoked salmon, marinated tuna) in a bowl. An impressive array of flavorful soups (including a miso-inspired riff on gazpacho) round out the well-considered meal plan.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.