Sushi: Do & Don't (when watching your weight)

Have you ever wondered:

"Is Sushi a good diet food?"

  

  

Some of you may know that I've lived in Japan prior to moving to Australia. I worked in Tokyo as a French teacher for just over 6 months.

I was very fortunate to make many Japanese friends there, mostly because of my job. Working as a language teacher in Japan gave the unique opportunity to learn about the Japanese culture, from the inside.

I have a deep admiration for Japanese women: they are feminine, elegant and SLIM! So let's try to learn from them!

Sushi: Do

• Sushi style: stick to the traditional Edo and nigiri sushi style (for a lower carbohydrate intake). The smaller the rice, the better!
 
• Brown rice: although white rice is traditionally used in sushi rolls, health-conscious sushi restaurants are now offering the option of brown rice as well. Just ask!
 
• Lean toppings: while most sushi are not fattening, if you are concerned of the calories go for tuna, albacore, halibut, red-snapper, and shellfish.
 
• Oily fish: toro, salmon, and mackerel will not make you loose weight but they are a rich source of omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids.
 
• Wasabi: The hot green Japanese horseradish condiment has antimicrobial properties.
 
• Pickled Ginger: used to cleanse the palate after each piece of sushi, ginger contains the compounds gingerols and shogaols stimulating digestive juices and neutralize stomach acids, which is definitely a plus when you ingest raw fish.
 
• Drink green tea: high in anti-oxidants, it will do more good than a can of Asahi!
 
• Eat in moderation: enjoy each piece of sushi you eat, take your time, and remember that sushi is not really meant to be eaten in huge quantities. Each one of them, though very small are to be given some thought and appreciation to, while tasting them, which leads to a more satisfied stomach.

 

 

Sushi: Don't

 
• Stay away from fried sushi and tempura
 
• Avoid rolls with mayonnaise or any other ingredient that includes saturated fat, such as Philadelphia roll
 
• Ditch eel, futomaki( excessive carbohydrates), tamago (contains sugar)
 
• Watch the soy sauce: to be used sparingly to avoid excessive salt/sodium intake
 
• Refrain from adding any sauces that are sweet, or creamy such as unagi sauce and spicy sauce

 

How often do you eat sushi?

 What your favourite sushi?