“A good, functional and healthy body is the ultimate fashion statement.”

Isn't that a wonderful quote? It's attributed to Kiyokazu Washida, a Japanese fashion critic. You can read more at Ten Reasons Japanese Women Don't Get Old or Fat.

I love Japanese food and was thrilled when an all-you-can-eat Japanese buffet, salad, hibachi and sushi bar opened in my area. Right away I noticed that the large percentage of Japanese patrons eating there one Sunday all appeared to be of a healthy weight; I didn't see a single obese person among them. Also noted is that they hadn't put high piles of food on their plates whereas the handful of non-Japanese Americans present did appear to be overweight and returned from the buffet with large mounds of food.

 

I've started collecting 1950s Japanese-American cook books. Too often when we think of 1950s fare we focus on Western recipes only which is a mistake since other cultures offer us delicious and healthy food. 

I am  sharing a 1950s recipe for "Steam in a Tea Cup" or Chawan-Mushi. Let me know if you try it!