Obviously in each and every culture the foods that are eaten are somewhat different.  The main reason I want to contrast the American diet to the Japanese diet is because of the differences I see in fitness between the populations of the two countries.  The degree of exercise isn’t very different in my opinion, so I have to give this one up to diet.  So shall we get started?

In Japan, rice is the staple food.  The largest portion of the diet is simply rice.  Some meat is included, with a fair amount of vegetables.  The amount of fruits consumed is also very small.  In regards to meat consumed, seafood is rank number one.  A fair amount of chicken is also consumed.  Beef and pork are eaten, but in very small quantities.  Dessert is eaten, but the sugar content is very low and the candies and chocolates are not very sweet.  This diet is very healthy for several reasons.  Approximately 50% or more of the diet is rice, which is very nutritious while giving a fair amount of energy.  The meat eaten is mostly seafood – high in omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fats.  It also has very little sugar and fat in general.

In America, most of the diet is probably meat.  There are also very large quantities of breads and pastas eaten.  Many Americans eat little to no vegetables or fruits.   When dessert is eaten, it is often in large quantities, with huge amounts of sugars and fats.  Portions are very large, and large portions are eaten on a daily basis.  Most foods are highly processed, trading taste for nutritional value.  The good thing about this diet is the variety.  You can always try something new, and thus you don’t have to worry about getting overly bored with what you eat.  On the other hand though, the typical American diet has huge amounts of fats, and much more energy than you need in a day.  Cholesterol is also a concern with a primarily meat-based diet.

What I’m trying to say here is a simple suggestion.  Don’t eat McDonald’s as much.  Instead, make some rice every once in a while.  Grill some salmon (if you like salmon) and eat it instead of a steak.  If you really want a steak, a tuna steak is a great choice.  It’s much healthier than beef, but at the same time it has some of the same texture.  Make sure to have lots of variety in your diet.  In any case, be sure to eat lots of fruits and veggies.  Spinach is a great choice.  In fact, any form of dark green leafy vegetable is great for you.  As far as fruit goes, try a banana or an orange.  Or you can do as the old saying says – “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  So try and improve your diet a little, and I thinkm you’ll start feeling better in a very short amount of time.

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