"Though the traditional Japanese diet is often much healthier than Westerners', writer and author Barber (The Japanese Kitchen, Japanese Pure and Simple) says the real secret is how the meals are consumed. Chopsticks, she says, have a twofold benefit: forcing diners to pay attention to their food, and slowing down the eating process so that, ultimately, fewer calories are consumed. Even if would-be dieters opt for a fork and spoon, those with a taste for Japanese food will find plenty of healthy options. Breakfast selections include traditional porridge and smoothies that rely on tofu rather than yogurt for creaminess. Domburi, essentially a rice bowl with various toppings, and noodle-based dishes dominate lunch options. Barber keeps her dishes visually appealing as well, adding a burst of color and flavor by sprinkling ruby red pomegranate seeds on her Daikon, Edamame and Avocado Salad with Yuzu Viniagrette, and her Lump Crabmeat and Pomegranate Sushi; her sushi recipes, what Westerners would call deconstructed, make preparation pressure-free by simply assembling the rice, nori and fillings (smoked salmon, marinated tuna) in a bowl. An impressive array of flavorful soups (including a miso-inspired riff on gazpacho) round out the well-considered meal plan." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

There is only one way to lose weight - eat less. This cookbook does not involve any calorie counting, refer to a pre-calculated index, exclude essential foods or worse still, limit the selections of food allowed. There is one simple rule: delicious and perfectly balanced Japanese-inspired meals are to be eaten with chopsticks, which naturally makes you take smaller mouthfuls and instantly reduces the amount of food you eat.