2 out of 3 Americans are obese in a world where only 37% of the population is overweight. That’s a pretty big discrepancy.

It’s no wonder why so many Americans are curious about what the rest of the world eats to stay slim. This article is going to take you through the top 10 healthiest ethnic cuisines that you can bring into your own kitchen.

1. Mediterranean Dining

You’d have to live under a rock to not hear about the wonders of the Mediterranean diet, specifically Greek. What makes their lifestyle the healthiest?

For starters, Greeks enjoy their whole-grain bread dipped in olive oil. By eating healthy fats, they protect their hearts from clogged arteries and disease. They also choose to flavor their foods with herbs instead of salt.

Another noteworthy tip is that they rarely eat red meat. Instead, they opt for farm-raised chicken and fresh seafood. Their side dishes are mostly local vegetables and healthy carbs like rice or potatoes.

2. Ethnic Cuisines of Japan

Japanese people lean toward a vegetarian diet, which reduces inflammation and many kinds of diseases. Tofu and fish are eaten instead of meat. Their diet also includes a lot of rice.

They like to eat small meals and eat until they are almost satisfied. By stopping sooner, they allow their brains to catch up to their stomachs.

If you’re interested in learning how to prepare the best sushi of your life, you could take a Japanese cooking class.

3. Vietnamese Secrets

You’d find it difficult to spot a lot of Vietnamese people who regularly eat fried foods. They like to steam or boil everything in nutrient-rich broths.

People in Vietnam, like other Asian countries, also eat a lot of fermented foods to improve their gut health. The Vietnamese mentality is to treat vegetables and grains like the main dish and meat as the side dish. That way, they can eat more food for fewer calories.

If you’ve ever had Pho, you can thank Vietnam since that is their specialty dish. Pho is made with rice noodles, an abundance of vegetables, herbs, and broth.

4. Indian Spices

India is known for their complex spice profiles in their dishes. Although you’ve probably had tasty Indian food in America, just like any other cuisine we’ve adopted, it’s not a healthy representation of their true eating habits.

Indians also sparingly eat meat. Instead, they choose to consume lots of vegetables and rice prepared in delicious sauces. You won’t find a lot of processed foods in an Indian’s kitchen.

If you want to take a note from their diet, try getting your fruits and vegetables from your local farmers market.

5. Spanish Mentality

Although Mexicans speak Spanish, they aren’t Spanish. There are big differences in how Spaniards and other Hispanic countries eat. Spain stands out for their seafood dishes.

Paella is a dish that’s made its way to America. Unlike other ethnic cuisines, paella recipes in America are still quite authentic. This dish is composed of seafood, rice, and vegetables.

Tapas, or appetizers, are also popular in Spain. Spaniards can eat a meal composed of a few different tapas. These small portions help keep their waists slim.

6. Italian Zest

Everything you know about Italian food served in America is wrong. These fried dishes drenched in heavy cheese or cream sauces are not found in Italy.

Italians take food very seriously. On top of their leisurely mealtimes, Italians also use a lot of fresh herbs and vegetables. Tomatoes are common in many dishes, and some studies have shown that the lycopene in tomatoes can reduce risks of cancer.

Like their Greek neighbors, Italians only use olive oil when they need to add fat to a dish. If they want to add richness to their food, they only use a sprinkle of parmesan.

7. Mexican Flair

You can’t stay skinny when you eat fried tortillas and heavy cheese sauces. True Mexican food focuses on rice, beans, vegetables, and tomato-based sauces.

Rice and beans form a complete protein and boast lots of fiber and slow-burning carbs that meat lacks. When they do cook with meat, it is usually seared and never fried.

Mexicans also like to add spice to their foods by cooking with peppers. Spicy foods are great for dieters because they rev up the metabolism.

8. Tongue-Thai’d

In case you didn’t notice, many Asian countries have the slimmest people in the world. One notable difference from other countries is that Thai people eat a lot of soup.

Their famous soup is called Tom Yum Goong. It’s filled with shrimp, vegetables, and a vast array of fresh herbs and spices. Ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and cilantro have been used as medicines for hundreds of years.

9. Get Lost in Lebanon

Lebanese people get a lot of their protein from lentils and chickpeas, which means they have low cholesterol and a lot of energy. If you love hummus, you’d fit in well in Lebanon!

Lebanese people eat lots of healthy whole grains like freekeh, which has been getting a lot of attention in America lately, and tabouleh. By mixing their whole grains with plenty of vitamin-rich herbs like parsley and mint, they have strong immune systems all year long.

Lebanese people like to live simply. Their dishes may not have a lot of ingredients, but the ingredients they do use are always fresh and delicious.

10. Peruvian Peppers

The Peruvian diet is largely influenced by the Japanese cuisine thanks to a large influx of Japanese immigrants in the 19th century. Like Japan, people in Peru enjoy a lot of fresh fish in dishes like ceviche. Ceviche is a combination of raw seafood, peppers, vegetables, and a twist of lime or lemon.

Like other healthy Hispanic countries, Peru utilizes the flavor of spicy peppers to season their foods and burn their belly fat.

While these aspects are great, Peru is at the bottom of this list because a lot of their foods are prepared with fatty dairy products and oils. If you’re interested in Peruvian foods, you can prepare your own healthy versions at home.

Ready to Become the Best Version of Yourself?

Skinny Fat Guy Productions is dedicated to helping people melt away their fat. If you liked learning about ethnic cuisines, you should check out more of our helpful tips on diet and exercise.

If you have any questions about how our information can help change your life, please contact us.