I Ate Like a Japanese Village Elder for 7 Days—Here’s What Every Desi Should Learn

🍵 What Happens When a Desi Guy Tries the Ikigai Diet?

You’ve heard of keto, intermittent fasting, and high-protein diets—but what about eating like the long-living villagers of Okinawa, Japan?

After reading Ikigai, I tried their way of eating for 7 days. The twist? I adapted it to our Indian kitchens. Spoiler: I felt lighter, calmer, and more energetic.

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🧠 What Is the Ikigai Diet?

The elders of Okinawa live well into their 90s and 100s. Their diet is simple:

• Plant-based and seasonal
• Low in calories but high in nutrients
• Eaten slowly and mindfully
• Stopping at 80% full (called Hara Hachi Bu)

It’s not a “diet” as we know it—it’s a way of living.

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🍛 How I Made It Work Desi Style

Here’s what I ate, Indian edition:

• 🥗 Lunch: Mix veg sabzi with olive oil, 1 roti (multigrain), 1 small bowl of brown rice
• 🍠 Snacks: Roasted peanuts, fruit, green tea
• 🥣 Dinner: Moong dal khichdi, sautéed spinach, papaya
• 🍵 Drinks: Warm water, haldi milk at night, green tea twice a day

I followed the 80% full rule, chewed slow, and avoided distractions. No Netflix during dinner, bro.

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⚡ What Changed After 7 Days?

• Energy: I didn’t feel bloated or sluggish
• Digestion: No acidity or heaviness post meals
• Sleep: Deeper, more restful sleep
• Mind: I felt calmer, even while stuck in traffic

Turns out, eating light also makes your brain feel light.

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🇮🇳 Why Desis Need This Now More Than Ever

Let’s be real—we’ve moved far from our roots:

• Processed snacks every evening
• Eating till we’re stuffed at weddings
• Skipping veggies for paneer tikka every other day

But Ikigai teaches us: Eat less, eat natural, eat slowly.

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🕊️ 3 Simple Rules for Desi Ikigai Nutrition

1. Eat seasonal and local – Sabzi mandi over supermarket
2. Follow Hara Hachi Bu – Stop before you're totally full
3. Add color to your plate – Greens, oranges, purples = more antioxidants

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Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen Might Already Be the Key to Longevity

No need for fancy protein powders or imported avocados. Your nani’s kitchen already had the answer—dal, roti, sabzi, made with love, eaten with peace.

Ready to find your Ikigai at the dinner table?

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