Why Japanese Children Have Been Identified As The Healthiest And Happiest In The World

Most of us would love for our children to be healthy and happy, but sometimes fail to understand the more elementary meaning of what nourishment means.

A study published in The Lancet throws light on light on of the most quintessential facets of nourishment for children: nutrition. A major worldwide health study published by them revealed that children born in Japan are projected to live a long and healthy life. One of the biggest reasons seems to be their eating patterns.

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In fact, while obesity levels have been skyrocketing across the globe, obesity in Japan has been historically lower and has been declining in recent years as well; and it¡¯s more to do with eating habits and lifestyle rather their genetic predisposition.

Here¡¯s what you can take away from their eating habits:

Eat more food, but fewer calories

The idea is to combine foods that are lower in caloric density. For instance, typical Japanese meals include rice, a modest portion of meat or fish, and a couple of vegetable dishes. The idea is not to start preparing their cuisine but to include higher quantities of whole foods, and more fruits and vegetables, and cut down processed foods that have more ¡®calories per bite¡¯.

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Use smaller sized plates and portions

The Japanese curtail not just their food servings, but also the size of their plates. Use the side plates that you use to eat salads, and bread with to have your main meals, which are about four-to-six inches in diameter.

Avoid demonising snacks

Teach your children to enjoy the treats and snacks, but in the right frequency and amount; like the Japanese who eat in smaller quantities and lesser frequencies. They exercise what is known as ¡®flexible restraint¡¯ when it comes to consuming unhealthy food.

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Dine together to inculcate healthy eating habits

Show your child that you can enjoy eating healthy home-cooked food because it was made with and tastes wonderful. Set a particular time to sit down to eat once a day, even if you¡¯re busy to reinforce this habit.

Make rice your staple go-to carbohydrate

Rice is the staple choice of food in Japanese cuisine, compared to less filling choices like dry bread. That¡¯s because white rice is often mixed with foods like fish, veggies, and seaweed, which eliminates the ¡®high-glycaemic¡¯ spikes that white rice is associated with and leaves you feeling fuller.

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Make walking or biking an integral activity in your life

The Japanese live a very active lifestyle since childhood. In fact, according to the World Health Organisation, more than 98 percent of Japanese children walk or bike to school. This statistic only proves that Japanese children probably get in the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity just by going to school and back.

Don't be afraid to be the boss at home

Japanese parents use an authoritarian approach to parenting. They are not afraid to lay down guidelines and rules that their children are expected to listen and follow. Creating an environment that is strategic in your approach to discipline, but nurturing in nature can inspire them to adopt the habits you relay.