Everything You Need to Know About Shoku Iku

If there is one thing that never changes, it’s that we are always having a new fad diet waved in front of us. They last a few years until they are replaced by the latest and greatest new thing, which is often a rehashing of the same restrictive diet measures. 

We give up the things we love, in hopes of a few health benefits, which eventually plateau as the shortcomings of the fad come into play. Or worse, we wind up being manipulated by the multi-billion dollar diet industry and shelling out for pills we hope will be a quick fix.

Gobiotix explains shoku iku as something more akin to a philosophy of food education, rather than a diet with hard and fast rules. Focusing more on balance and an understanding of food as a whole, rather than restricting you from your favorites or changing your whole lifestyle, Shoku iku breaks the mold when it comes to food-related health goals.

Where Does It Come From?

Shoku Iku hails from Japan, where it was implemented as part of the mandatory guidelines for education in terms of dietary knowledge. This was brought about during the mid-2000s, where western fast food had begun to step onto the cultural scene. It was noted by officials that the nutritional quality of the food was poor, but due to the novelty of it, it became a popular choice.

The goal was to increase public awareness of how foods were produced - ranging from the agricultural end to the production states, such as fermentation and preparation. They also strove to educate people about the preservatives and additives that were overwhelmingly present in the imported foods.

It also strove to remind us of the emotional importance of shared meals with our loved ones, of taking the time to enjoy each other's company and bond.

How Does It Work?

Rather than regimented diets that cost us all of the goodies that make us happy - Shoku Iku teaches us to value food for its benefits and what it can provide us with. With a newfound awareness of what we are putting in us, it can make us truly reassess what we desire and have accepted as the norm.

Rather than cutting out the treats altogether, you may find yourself understanding that they have a negative aspect despite how good it tastes and how it soothes you. So rather than piling on three scoops of ice cream, take one scoop and savor it. Appreciate it for what it is, but do not allow it to be the sole source of your nourishment. Afterward, balance it through other healthier efforts - like more vegetables than bread with your meal.

Another principle is to focus on diversity and whole foods, creating a complete diet. This acts to reduce the risk of having a deficiency.  

How Does This Compare To The Average American Diet

We’re overrun with the marketing of cheap, preservative, and additive-laden foods that do not offer us sufficient nutritional value. Whether it’s the food deserts that are spreading across our towns, or the overwhelming presence of fast food joints, lining up along the roads - healthy food is becoming a trend rather than the norm.

There is also the matter that the current education system does not provide students the opportunity to learn more about appropriate nutrition and how to determine which ingredients are healthy.

How Can I Use Shoku Iku?

Not everyone has access to dieticians or the full education entailed to understand every single aspect of the science of nutrition. However, you don’t need to be an expert. A little time reading about the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, how sugars, fiber, and protein work together to keep our bodies going strong.

Shoku Iku, and its core, is about empowering yourself to make the right decisions.