The Okinawa Diet Plan

The Okinawa Diet is based on the traditional diet of inhabitants of the Ryukyu islands of Japan, of which Okinawa is the largest. Okinawans have the world’s longest life span.
 

What it is: The Okinawa Diet is a low calorie diet like the calorie restriction diet, based on the traditional diets of Okinawans.
 

How it works: The Okinawa Diet is comprised of high nutrient, low-calorie foods such as vegetables, green tea, brown rice and fish. Very little meat, eggs or dairy products are consumed.
 

What you do: An eight week plan gradually shifts people into the low-calorie diet plan. Practitioners must be careful not to overeat by eating to only 80% full, waiting 10-20 minutes and eating more if still hungry. Broth based soups such as miso are consumed before every meal to avoid over-eating. Sweet potato is also a staple, just as it is in the traditional Okinawa diet.
 

Benefits: In addition to having the longest life span in the world, Okinawans do not gain weight as they age, have 80% less heart disease and 50% less cancer than Americans. Though genetic and environmental factors are at play, many studies suggest that calorie restriction and nutrient rich foods may help improve health and lengthen life.
 

Downside: The diet plan can be very restrictive, especially in breads and dairy products, and may not appeal to Western tastes. The diet does not incorporate exercise.