American Vs. Japanese Diets

The American diet is rich, hearty and diverse. America prides itself on being the land of opportunity and this can be seen in its variety of foodstuffs. Unfortunately this has given rise to a culture of eating that often leads to obesity and heart disease, fast food for example. Sarah Aitken of Natural News states "if you look at the [American] diet close-up, we can see that it is pretty extreme, and certainly not healthy." Although fast food is becoming more and more popular in eastern cultures, diets are still relatively simple and contain a lot less fat. In Japan there is a love of fresh food and the emphasis is on quality, not quantity.

Staple Food

• Almost every Japanese meal is accompanied with a bowl of steaming white rice or a bowl of noodles.

  The "staple" of a culture's diet is the main thing it consists of and it is usually a carbohydrate. In America's case corn and wheat are in the vast majority of foodstuffs including bread, cereal, and potatoes. Even corn syrup is added to a striking number of foods.

  Japan, however, uses rice and noodles as diet staples. According to the website 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet "almost every Japanese meal is accompanied with a bowl of steaming white rice or a bowl of noodles."

Meat

• Steak is delicious but too much of it is bad for your health.

  Americans primarily consume red and white meat such as beef and chicken. When eaten in moderation it can contribute to a balanced diet but quantity is often an issue for Americans. In contrast the Japanese eat a lot of fish, largely because Japan is an island. Seafood is generally healthier than red or white meat (particularly red because it is very fatty) however like fast food, beef is becoming increasingly popular in Japan due to western influences.

Dairy

• Americans love their milk, whereas the Japanese have lived for thousands of years without it.

  Western civilization in general is very dependent on dairy products. It would be hard to imagine America without them. There would be no cheese, ice cream, or butter. There would also be no white coffee and cereal wouldn't be very appetizing without milk. The Japanese have lived quite happily without dairy products for thousands of years, because cows are not native to Japan. As a result they are mildly lactose intolerant. Dairy products are becoming more popular in Japan, again largely because of western influences.

Fruits and Vegetables

• While the Japanese love their fruits and vegetables Americans don't get nearly enough.

  Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of any diet and more importantly, so is eating enough of them. There is not a huge difference in the types of fruit and vegetables consumed in America and Japan but there is a difference in the amounts consumed. The Japanese are very fond of vegetables in particular and their diet features an emphasis on fresh produce. In contrast a survey by Fooducate states on behalf of Americans that "only 8% of us reach our fruit goals" and "only 6% reach the veggie goals."