Question for those in Japan

[KNA1986]

How easy is it to find the foods that you're allowed to eat on this WOE? How much does it cost? I'm seriously thinking about going to APU (Asia Pacific University) next March and I want to continue to eat healthy but I don't know enough about the culture. :yikes I kind of want to start now and prepare myself.

Thanks!

[EvDizzle]

I second that question!

I'm very seriously looking at doing my internship year in Japan, and would like to know how viable it is to follow Atkins over there.

Thanks

[Miss Cassou]

EvDissle, yowzer. I am also 19.

Pammie is living in Japan, a moderator. Ask her, or PM her or so.

[kotoni]

Yuri and I are also doing it in Japan. It can be frustrating at times, because there are virtually no low carb-designated products. It helps to have a buddy in Japan doing it -- we bounce ideas off each other and cook together once a week.

The one thing you have to accept from the get go is that virtually no Japanese food here is completely Atkins safe -- you can eat many kinds of sushi minus the rice, but it frequently isnt prepared without. Yakiniku (barbequed meat, korean in origin) is safe, provided you are careful about ordering meats prepared without marinades including special sauces. But rice is the staple food here, and western style bakeries proliferate. Little in the convenience stores is safe.

But it can be done! Just throw some splenda and any other niceties (any low carb products you are particularly attached to) into your suitcase, and be prepared for higher meat prices than you are used to. Things can be ordered via the internet frequently, the only really pricey thing is the expense of shipping it.

If you are planning to come to Tokyo, let me know. I can give you an idea of Atkins-safe grocery products and foreign places to shop.

Good luck!

[pammie]

on the other hand, it is nice not to have the low carb products here...no temptations.

I find it very very easy to do Atkins here...but, I cook, and I love to cook. You have to virtually cook everything from scratch, it is hard to go out for anything beyond mcdonalds...

but I certainly wouldn't let that stop you from coming, it can most certainly be done here...