My dad was stationed both in Okinawa and Hawaii during WW II. Foods he was exposed to from across the world sometimes ended up in our kitchen for us to try. I remember my first taste of avocado and it just melted in my mouth like creamy butter. Eating the Okinawa Way means “eating as if your food was a source of healing power”.

A nine-step approach to health was developed based on a 25-year study of Okinawan dietary habits using the Okinawa Food Pyramid. They include:

1. Eat ten vegetables and fruits daily (9-17 servings)
2. Eat ten whole grains daily (7-13 servings)
3. Eat three calcium foods daily (2-4 servings)
4. Eat three flavonoid foods daily (2-4 servings of plant compounds in soy & to a lesser extent in tea, onions and apples)

5. Eat two omega-3  foods daily (1-3 servings of fish & flax)
6. Drink fresh water and tea daily
7. Weigh your options carefully (just limit the quantity)
8. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
9. Consider a nutritional insurance policy with vitamins and minerals

After my Saturday bike, wine and cheese were in order. Biking and sharing a bottle of the Blondes from Icicle Ridge Winery was the special treat!