Americans are catching on to Japanese eating habits as a healthy alternative to western cuisine. That’s why Samurai Sam’s® healthy Japanese-style meals appeal to customers who want to “wok the healthy path®.” You’re probably familiar with the food pyramid, the importance of a balanced diet and the role of vitamins and minerals. According to The Atlantic, schoolchildren in Japan learn additional values that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
EAT UNTIL YOU ARE 80 PERCENT FULL
You’ll have to approximate what 80% full feels like, of course, but the point is to stop before you feel like you couldn’t possibly take another bite. It takes the brain about 20 minutes to send your body the message that you’ve had enough. By eating slowly and controlling portions, you can avoid indigestion, fatigue and unhealthy weight gain. Samurai Sam’s offers portions that balance heartiness with healthiness to satisfy your hunger without overdoing it.
CHOOSE SEASONAL OFFERINGS
At Samurai Sam’s, fresh is better. In Japan, chefs observe three or four different seasons per month by choosing different ingredients to feature in their dishes. Americans might not be quite so hardcore, but the rising popularity of farm-to-table restaurants, urban agriculture and local food sources demonstrates a renewed commitment to sustainability and interest in fresh produce and meat.
STIMULATE THE SENSES
We tend to describe the taste and smell of food, but in Japan, chefs strive to present dishes that appeal to all five senses. At Samurai Sam’s, you can listen to the sizzling grill, admire a colorful bowl of varied ingredients and enjoy the texture of perfectly wok-stirred vegetables. Pleasing the senses is associated with health benefits: for example, a colorful meal tends to be a balanced meal, as it features ingredients from all over the food pyramid.
COOK BY FIRE AND WATER (NOT FIRE AND OIL)
Oil is a form of fat. It’s necessary in small amounts, and these amounts occur naturally in ingredients such as fish, beef and chicken. Samurai Sam’s grills or steams menu items to eliminate cooking oil. Wok-stirred ingredients require a very small amount of oil compared to other stir-fry pans. We wok-stir potstickers, grill egg rolls and steam rice in keeping with this Japanese kitchen rule.
EAT 30 SMALL MEALS EVERY DAY
Yes, thirty meals. Japanese nutritionists encourage what we call grazing. Researchers report mixed findings about the possible benefits and drawbacks of grazing versus eating three larger, balanced meals per day. They do agree about the value of reducing caloric intake to combat obesity and associated health issues. Whether you choose to graze on edamame or indulge in a delicious teriyaki bowl, Samurai Sam’s menu is designed to give you a range of healthy options that fit your lifestyle.
There is more to the Japanese food trend in America than a few menu items. American diners are embracing cultural values and practices that create a healthy society. If you share these values, consider opening a Samurai Sam’s restaurant through the franchising program. You will receive comprehensive support, materials and training to help you succeed.
©2017 Kahala Franchising, L.L.C. All rights reserved. SAMURAI SAM’S® is a registered trademark of Kahala Franchising, L.L.C. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise; nor is it directed to the residents of any particular jurisdiction within the U.S. or elsewhere. The following states currently regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA, and WI. If you are a resident of one of these states, or of a jurisdiction that has similar requirements, we will not offer you a franchise until we have completed the applicable registration or obtained the exemption from registration, and completed the applicable disclosure requirements. Regardless of what state you reside in, an offering can only be made by a franchise disclosure document.
