Japanese Dietary Guidelines

1. Eat a variety of foods to assure a well-balanced diet
   (1) Eat 30 or more different kinds of foods daily
   (2) Balance main and side dishes around the staple food
   
   
2. Match daily energy intake with daily physical activity
   (1) Avoid excess energy intake to help prevent obesity
   (2) Adjust physical activity to match daily energy intake
   
   
3. Be aware that both the quality and quantity of fats consumed are important
   (1) Avoid eating too much fat
   (2) Use vegetable oils rather than animal fats
   
   
4. Avoid eating too much salt
   (1) Aim for a salt intake of less than 10g per day
   (2) Resourceful cooking cuts down on excessive salt intake
   
   
5. Make all activities pertaining to food and eating pleasurable ones
   (1) Use the mealtime as an occasion for family communication
   (2) Appreciate home cooking.

Reference: Florencio, C.A. Dietary Guidelines in Asia-Pacific. ASEAN-New Zealand IILP, Philippines, 1997.

Last Updated: March 29, 2001.