by Heather Russell

Created on: November 11, 2009

For years, health, nutrition, and beauty experts have touted the lifestyle of the Japanese as one that would bring health, vitality, and beauty to all that follow it. While you might be skeptical about the youth-restoring properties of fermented soy beans, you can't deny the slim, healthy figures of Japan's population.

You don't have to travel to the East to reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle; just follow the lead of the Japanese to stay healthy, slim, and beautiful!

What you eat:

Sushi bars have been a staple of American downtowns and food courts for years; undoubtedly, the Japanese diet has a lot to do with the country's low obesity rate. However, you don't have to learn to love raw fish to eat your way slim like the Japanese.

Focus on eating whole, local, fresh foods. In traditional sushi bars, the chefs based the day's offerings on what fresh fish were brought in from the local market. We know that wild-caught fish, when compared to farmed, are healthier and less likely to contain toxins. Make heart-healthy, Omega-3-rich salmon a part of your weekly diet.

In addition, when looking at a Japanese menu, you will be hard-pressed to find any food that has been processed too far beyond its natural state. Some Japanese staples include mineral-rich seaweed, buckwheat soba noodles that provide essential amino acids, and edamame, a super-snack that provides protein and fiber. Whole foods like these provide your body with essential nutrients, and keep you fuller longer than processed foods, which are more likely to contain empty calories.

Finally, green tea, as common in Japan as coffee is in the West, has been well-documented to help boost metabolism and aid weight loss. As a bonus, it packs a hefty antioxidant punch. Try replacing one cup of coffee a day with green tea, or your afternoon soda with an iced version.

How you eat:

It's a bit of a myth that the Japanese stay slim because they eat with dainty chopsticks instead of shoveling forks and spoons. While someone raised on sushi may be as deft with chopsticks as you are with your silverware, switching to a method of eating that is unfamiliar can help you to slow down, allowing your body to more fully savor your food and register its fullness.

Take a cue from the famed Japanese tea ceremony, in which the preparation of, waiting for, and aroma from the tea are all just as important as the act of drinking itself. Prepare your own food, and appreciate its complexity and flavor, instead of wolfing it down in front of the television.

How you view the world:

A large portion of Japan's population follows the Buddhist religion. Buddhism focuses on the connection between living things, and includes meditation as part of its practice. It's well-documented that higher stress levels lead to weight gain, especially around the stomach - not to mention the higher instances of snacking! Take a few minutes out of your day to close your eyes, breathe, and focus on the bigger picture.

Losing weight is rarely easy, but looking at it from the point of view of a different culture can help you gain a new perspective on your health and your life.

Learn more about this author, Heather Russell.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.