The Asian Banana Diet is a weight loss diet developed by the Japanese couple Sumiko and Hitoshi Watanbe. Sumiko, a pharmacist, designed the diet in an effort to help Hitoshi, who was overweight, lose extra pounds. After Hitoshi's weight loss success, the diet became so popular in Japan that it caused a banana shortage.
Basic Diet Rules
On the Asian Banana Diet, you can eat as many bananas as you want for breakfast, but you should only eat until you are satisfied, not full. Bananas should be raw and uncooked. If you are still hungry 15 to 30 minutes after eating breakfast, you may consume more food. Rice or oatmeal is recommended. You can eat as you normally would for lunch and dinner. You must eat dinner by 8 p.m., however, and should only eat until you feel satisfied, not full. A snack is allowed in between lunch and dinner, around 3 p.m. During snack time, you may satisfy any cravings you have for sweets, by eating chocolate or cookies. You should avoid ice cream and potato chips.
Beverages
Water is the only beverage that you are allowed to consume with meals. Water should be drunk at room temperature and only in small sips. There is no minimum amount of water to drink, and you should keep your intake low. Between meals, you can drink tea, coffee and diet soda, although regular consumption is not recommended. Beer and wine are allowed in moderation on social occasions, and milk products are discouraged.
Exercise
According to MorningBanana.com, you should should not feel pressured to exercise. Though exercise is not considered a vital component of weight loss on this diet, if you want to exercise, pick an activity that puts as little stress on your body as possible. Walking is a recommended exercise, as is kendama, a traditional Japanese workout that involves balance exercises.
Other Tips
Another important component of the banana diet is getting adequate amounts of sleep. You should go to bed by midnight at the latest, although the more sleep you get, the better. You should also allow four hours to pass before your last meal and the time you go to bed. MorningBanana.com also recommends keeping a daily journal to log your food intake. This can help you stay on track with your diet.
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