Text and Photography by Amy Kunstle

You say potato...I say potahto, you say tomato...I say tomahto...potato...potahto....tomato...tomahto.....let's call the whole thing off........and so the song goes.

We have long extolled the Eastern diet...portion-controlled, rich in fish, vegetables and low in fat.  The epitome of health creating lithe, healthy bodies that live many, many years. 

Hmmmm.  I recently returned from a trip to Japan following weeks of reveling in bowls of udon, bento boxes loaded with delectable nibbles of contrasting delicious pickles, proteins and a variety of starches from proverbial rice to noodles to thick slices of "snow bread", and the occasional dip into contrasting  McDonalds, Indian food and pizza.  I toasted "campi" with sake, Sappporo, prosecco, Asahi, Coca Cola, green tea and the occasional glass of water.  Needless, to say I cringed stepping onto the scale barely able to contain my horror at the possibiities of my wild living.  The scale flickered, steadied and my jaw dropped at a total loss of three pounds. 

Now seriously, what gives?  Are the food myths really true?  If I but moved to Japan would I become the 25 year old slipping into my size 12 dress in no time at all just by eating in this fashion?  So.... a brief sampling of my delights..

 Thin Crust Pizza in Kyoto


Udon with Pumpkin Miso Broth  and Vegetables


Japanese "Pizza" or "Pancakes"

I have not documented the soy cracker/nut mix, ice cream bars, mandarin oranges, whole Hokkaido milk, tempura, etc. consumed randomly along the way to name but a few treats.

So WHY the loss? HOW? Are there certain rules that I inadvertently followed producing this effect that could translate into a revelation in weight loss that will create a new way of thinking and  a book deal?

HA!  I think not.  I will share with you what I think happened...

RECIPE FOR SUCCESSUL WEIGHT LOSS:
1. Portion Control-   I enjoyed a variety of lovely food but
    never too much.
2. Variety- I followed my passion and tried everything  I was
    interested in without restriction but rarely ate the same 
    thing (or a lot of anything) twice.
3. Moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate and lower fat-
    I enjoyed meals accented by a little fat and highlighting
    flavor contrast among different proteins and veggies
4. Moderate caloric drinks-I drank a little bit of everything but
    never seconds.
5. Small desserts- I tried!  I really would have liked more
    dessert but could hardly ever find any!
6. Three nice meals/day with little snacking.
7. Lots of walking and stair climbing.

So......translating back to the West....I think we can all follow these rules and be much healthier.  Whether it is portion control with a plate as the guideline or a bento box....variety with five fruits and vegetables daily or five different kinds of proteins/pickles...the important rules remain the same.
Focus on portion control, variety, enjoyment of small amounts of food you love, cut back on dessert and snacks and exercise daily.