Okinawa is an island located south of mainland Japan and is known as the location of the United States' largest military amphibious operation during World War II. Today it is mostly known as the source of the "Okinawa Diet", a simple but effective weight loss program. The Okinawa Diet is all about eating plenty of plant-based meals with lots of tofu and locally grown vegetables. This diet also envisages the consumption of fish varieties rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, seaweed and other organic products rich in protein, rich in calcium and low in fat. In fact, it is not uncommon to find Okinawans who are at least 100 years old. The island has been recognized as having the largest centenarian population in the entire world. To this day, the incidence of heart disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer on the island is still rare.
The growing problem of being overweight and obese in the United States has made the Okinawa Diet very appealing. Many overweight individuals have tried taking a diet pill to minimize their hunger pangs and reduce their food intake in the process. Other weight loss diet pill formulas work by blocking the body's absorption of fat, most of which comes from fat-laden meats.
Weight gain is not a problem, as most Okinawans rarely eat meat. It's pretty unusual to see Okinawans who are overweight or bloated. Many retained the short but slender physical appearance of their ancient ancestors, who were mostly hardy fishermen and farmers. The key to the effectiveness of the Okinawa Diet is the philosophy best summed up in the phrase "food as tonic, food as medicine". Islanders have been strongly influenced by the food culture of China, Korea, and Mainland Japan, which emphasizes the medicinal and therapeutic value of certain food groups. In many Okinawa homes, the mother or person preparing the meal will often say, “Please eat this. This food is good for curing this or that disease. Eating is good for you." Those who eat after dinner "Kusuinatan!" "Kusuinatan" is an Okinawan term meaning "Food is good." My body feels good. Food is like medicine.
Besides eating healthy food, Okinawans also lead very active lifestyles. The islanders, young and old, are engaged in martial arts, folk dances and tend their own gardens. These activities give them the opportunity to sweat and remove toxins from the body. Actively, they can improve their cardiovascular health. Many centenarians in Okinawa engage in karate and the traditional dance called "rojin odori" because they view these activities as a source of "ikigai" or a sense of purpose. Unlike their Western counterparts, Okinawa's senior citizens maintained self-care through individual exercise while remaining physically active in their community.
In the United States, for example, it is not uncommon to see the elderly lead a comfortable but sedentary life in nursing homes. A sedentary lifestyle and high-carb foods rich in fat have contributed to an increase in heart disease and other ailments among many Americans. While not all Americans have the taste or discipline to follow an Okinawa-style eating regimen, weight control can still be accomplished with the help of a doctor or healthcare professional. In addition to signing up for a gym, people who need to lose weight can consult their doctor about prescription weight loss pills that can help reduce appetite and prevent fat absorption. Some products on the market claim to be the "best weight loss pill". Weight watchers should seek information from their doctor or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about safe and effective weight loss products. Only FDA-approved weight loss pills should be purchased and consumed because many unproven products are now sold over the counter, although the safety of these products is questionable.
Serious and determined weight loss should examine the benefits of the Okinawa Diet as well as other diet programs. While living to 100 is not an achievable goal for many Americans, it's never too late to give up unhealthy eating habits. Like Okinawans, many Americans today must return to healthy, active lives that require eating the right foods in the right amounts; and being passionate about an art, event or event that can provide them with their own purpose in life.
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