Japanese Mindful Eating in Longevity
How many times do you chew when you eat tofu? let's learn from Shibainu, Genki
Since I was a little girl in Japan, I was the last one to finish meals in my family. Thanks to my business owner busy parents, they had been very patients in neverending my chewing habits which I haritaded from my dear grandfather. At my elementary school in Nara, we enjoyed school lunch, calls “Kyushoku”, it’s a balanced fresh made daily meals. I think…, it was one of the best nutrition education system we naturally learned serving and cleaning, and sharing same menu, no matter you like the menu or not… we must finish meals…, and often, I was the last one until 3rd grader.
Japan, as one of the longest life expectancy country, I have keep pointing out mindful eating with gratitude using six senses, see, smell, touch, taste, sounds, texture, then you can finally swallowing each gracious foods. You can also enjoy the tastes remaining in your mouth. Your microbes are enjoying in your guts system, sending energy into your body and mind.
The next question comes…., how? The simplest way I alway asking my family and community is, take a look what you are eating, and stating a small bite, and chew at least 20 times each. I understand…., we, sometimes or often, have no time, so, I just set at least first 5 bites….., you may end up filling with smaller portion with satisfaction. This calls “ hatahachibu, it’s doctor away. (腹八分に医者いらず）”
Beside portion control and digestive benefits, taste buds improvements would be another benefits. My dear new community member from New Mexico, After our very first Japanese cooking, said, taste too neutral. Woon, I started thinking, why? One of the reason was possible under cooking of vegetables, not harmony with other ingredients. I asked…, then, how was the tofu flavor when you chew.., I knew it was House Organic Tofu Firm, one of my recommended one outside Japan, so I at least know the little bit of nutty and sweetness. The answer was very honest, said that he never thought about tofu’s flavor and taste, and was first time being about chewing. Do you have a similar experiences?
I know many of community member live in busy working, business, family, and social life, has little control choosing meal time and menu once. I was one of them. One thing you can control is…, mindful eating, just start counting at least 20 times per chew. My Shiba Genki ‘is demonstrating for you, we can learn from our friends. I recall my dear students and parents from FLACS, and HealthBarn USA, said, “ I like tofu, so tasty!”
Just once a while take a step back, put aside of one of your “ not must do schedule.” For instance, you can meditate or exercising during cooking and cleaning or mindful eating instead of gym and or meditation class.
A little bit of announcement, Let’s have a mindful eating chat at next “ Monthly Chat Mith Michiko” on August 17th @ 8PM (ET). This community is open for Michi’s community, suporter and paid subscribers.
Recipe for my all in one Miso soup and other Michi’s Yakuzen, please click here and here.
Little shading…, I just learned new NPR publication by Yuki Noguchi, What the U.S. could learn from Japan about making healthy living easier. Thanks for including me in this very critical topic in lifestyle and education in long term heal
Cook Well, Eat Well, Love Yourself !!
Michiko
Chewing is important for both mind and health!