It’s Japan, but not as you’ve done it before. Made of up 150 islands, Japan’s Okinawa prefecture is an unexpected tropical paradise where Japanese and American cultures combine, the scenery is inimitable, and wildlife abounds. “Blue Zones” are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy. Diet, fasting, and exercise are factors associated with Blue Zones. Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica, and the US have a Blue Zone. Okinawa is one of the world’s Blue Zones, areas renowned for exceptionally long healthy lives compared to the rest of the world’s population. The lifespans enjoyed by Okinawans may be explained by several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Blue Zones centenarians typically drink coffee at breakfast, tea in the afternoon, wine at 5pm, and water all day. To live to be 100, keep your beverages simple and avoid sugary beverages like soda and fruit juices. Other contributors include: Plant Based, Highly Varied Diet: The Okinawans eat way more vegetables than most people (mostly green and yellow ones), as well as whole grains, tofu, fish and other legumes. They eat very little sugar, and very little meat, dairy or eggs. People who live in Okinawa, Japan have a wise strategy when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. They call it “hara hachi bu”, which means to stop eating when you are 80% full. Studies show that cutting back on calories can lead to better heart health, longevity, and weight loss. Meet the people. The fastest direct flight from Taipei to Okinawa takes 1 hour and 20 minutes via China Airlines. |