Here's the healthy ingredients from each cuisine:
Italy
tomatoes
beans, even canned are as healthy as fresh
whole wheat pasta
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
herbs like basil and oregano
Sweden
yogurts
berries
potatoes
dark whole grain rye breads
Japan
fish
seaweed
soba
soy
green tea
The Japanese also practice the custom to stop eating when they feel about 80% full, rest about 10 to 15 minutes, and then if they are still hungry they eat some more. They give their stomachs a chance to find out the food has arrived before swallowing more than they may need.
All of these diets involve simple basic foods, most in their natural state, without preservatives or additives and high saturated fat.
How can we incorporate some of these healthy foods into our American diet, a country suffering from obesity? We can add whole grains, seafood, soy, beans, green tea and low fat dairy.
Harley Pasternak, author of "The 5 Factor World Diet" shares weight loss secrets from some of the healthiest cuisines in the world:
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