Japanese Pharmacists Revolutionize Dieting with Banana Breakfast Method
A couple of Japanese pharmacists introduced a morning diet a decade ago that took Japan by storm. Even today, 10 years after their book became a bestseller, people continue to express gratitude through letters, acknowledging how the method helped them. So, what's on their menu?
(Photo: shutterstock)When a pair of pharmacists from Japan published a revolutionary book titled 'The Morning Banana Diet', they didn't anticipate that their method would take Japan by storm. Soon after the book's release, the demand for bananas skyrocketed, and store shelves quickly emptied.
Hitoshi Watanabe and his wife Sumiko never imagined that a 'small' change in their dietary habits would have such an impact. Their book recounts how it all started with Hitsohi's unsuccessful attempts to lose weight. He tried several methods, but none provided lasting results.
"So we started to experiment with different things together," recalls Sumiko.
And indeed, shortly thereafter, they stumbled upon the winning formula, which they documented in their book, enabling Hitsohi to lose approximately 16.8 kg in less than three months. Due to the significant success of the method, Hitsohi now dedicates most of his time to writing articles about their approach, and both have become recognized figures on Japan's social networks.
What Does a Glass of Room Temperature Water Have to Do with It?
"We discovered that eating bananas daily for breakfast significantly reduces hunger for the rest of the day," the couple explains about their intriguing method. "Bananas are rich in nutrients, along with calories that will provide your daily strength and energy, so you need not worry about feeling sick or weak on this diet."
However, this was not their only discovery: "If you drink a glass of room temperature water and have a banana for breakfast without consuming anything else until lunch, you are on the right track. After the first banana, wait about 20 minutes, and only if you are truly hungry should you eat another banana," they explain.
During the diet, Watanabe completely avoided dairy products and alcohol, and he advises everyone to do the same. "Additionally, it is best if your last meal is before 8 PM, but for lunch and dinner, you can eat whatever you want," he concludes and adds: "It's been over ten years since the book was written, and it remains a bestseller in Japan and the US, and with good reason. Our method has been proven successful, and to this day, we receive thank-you letters from people who have benefited from it."
