Vegan Natto Spread Recipe Have you tried natto before? Natto is fermented soybeans that is very nutritious – rich in protein, vitamins and probiotics (good bacteria), and it’s a very popular breakfast choice in Japan. It’s also used for sushi, pasta… the list goes on. However, it’s an acquired taste– with its weird slimy appearance and smell. Most people new to natto put off on eating it because of this. Despite its looks and smell, natto has tons of health benefits! Natto helps with gut health, boosting immune system, anti-ageing and healthy heart and strengthens your bones.&n ..read more

  Instant miso soup for a busy day You bought miso paste, but didn’t have a chance to make miso soup at home? Are you looking for healthy snack idea at the office? This recipe requires absolutely no fuss, mess or chopping. You can even make your own healthy yet instant kit to take to the office. All you need to do is add water!  I highly recommend to make in bulks, and store in the fridge or freezer!    Recipe Serves 1 person.  Ingredients  300ml (10.5fl oz) hot water ½ tbsp miso ¼ tsp MSG free dashi powder Pinch of dried cut&n ..read more

Did you know there are countless Japanese proverbs on miso, which are a testament to its importance towards a healthy diet and its effects towards Japanese health and longevity? During the Edo period (1603-1868), families started to prepare their miso called temae miso, and from then onwards, proverbs and idioms related to miso started to emerge. Today I want to introduce a Japanese proverb relating to miso that shows its health benefits and its amazing properties, as well as a method to choose quality and authentic miso. Japanese Proverb about Miso “Spend money on miso shops rather ..read more

Are you eating the right nori? Japan is a seaweed-loving country. Did you know that one of the reasons why the Japanese diet is healthy is because we eat seaweed regularly? Seaweeds are high in minerals, low in calories, and are quite alkalising. Some seaweeds even contain very unique dietary fibres – both insoluble and soluble – that help cleanse our gut fabulously! Stay tuned, as I’m about to share the incredible benefits of Nori and some tips to avoid falling into the trap of consuming the wrong kind! One of the reasons for the longevity of the Japanese population is their regular seaweed ..read more

As mentioned in my previous blogs, matcha has several health and beauty benefits such as weight loss, detoxification, anti-ageing, alkalinity and more! But did you know matcha also helps strengthen your bones?  Incorporate matcha into your daily diet to ensure optimal bone health!  As we age, our bodies change through the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue. Especially during menopause, our bone density decreases so maintaining strong bones becomes increasingly difficult, and thus are at higher risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. While exercise is ..read more

  Tofu Ball with Clear Soup Great way to eat seaweed and veggies. You can actually eat tofu balls by frying as well.  It is vegan and gluten free – recipe for everybody!      Recipes Ingredient   Tofu balls – makes 12 balls   320g (11oz) firm tofu   4 tbsp (60g/2oz) potato starch   2 tbsp any seaweed (ex: wakame, arame, hijiki), reconstituted and chopped    2 tsp chopped ginger   1 tsp sea salt   ½ cup any vegetab ..read more

Vegan Tofu and Berry Tiramisu This recipe turns a decadent Italian dessert into a light, healthy and colourful vegan masterpiece. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to use up your old bread! INGREDIENTS 10 wholemeal slices of bread, (cut the crust off and discard or to feed the birds! Tofu cream 3 packets of silken firm or pressed silken tofu (about 940g/33oz) 30ml (1fl oz) lemon juice 3 teaspoons vanilla paste 140ml (5fl oz) agave or pure maple syrup Berry layer 250g (9oz) frozen mixed berries 3 tablespoons agave syrup or pure maple syrup Garnish 1 punnet of your favourite fres ..read more

Love edamame? Why don’t you try this super easy and healthy snack using edamame? These days it is so easy to buy frozen edamame in stores! Make sure to buy “shelled” edamame to save time having to shell them yourself. 10 years ago, non-GMO edamame wasn’t available in Australia, but I am very happy to let you know that they are available NOW! Edamame are young soybeans also protein-rich foods and snack that are low in calories and fat so they make the perfect healthy option! A popular appetiser at Japanese restaurants and have many uses as they can be eaten hot or cold. This recipe is dairy-fre ..read more

  Black Seaweed Pasta Don’t let the black look and seaweed taste discourage you! I love the taste, but I was initially concerned if people in my cooking class would enjoy it. However, I tested this dish with a very fussy pasta-loving Italian friend (Nicla, it’s you!), and other unadventurous friends – and it received their approval. In the class, everybody loved it! This vegan pasta recipe is both delicious and nutritious as seaweed, a key ingredient, contributes to its alkalising properties.   Power of Seaweed  I love seaweeds because they have almost no calories but are abun ..read more

Looking for a natural way to boost weight loss? Ever wondered about matcha’s slimming effects? Here are 7 Facts You Need to Know about the Weight Loss Magic of Matcha! Start slimming this summer with Matcha!  Fact #1 – MATCHA BURNS EXTRA CALORIES A 1999 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming Matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure. Studies indicated that the combined effect of matcha can extract rich in catechins and caffeine (which both increase thermogenesis) and increase energy expenditure ..read more