Cooking oils are an essential part of our daily diet, used in various cooking methods such as frying, sautéing, and baking. However, not all cooking oils are created equal. Some are healthier than others, while some should be avoided altogether. In this article, we will explore the different types of cooking oils, their health benefits, […]
Nagomi (和み), a profound concept in Japanese culture, embodies the essence of harmony and balance. It’s not merely a word; it represents an ideal, a way of living that permeates through every facet of life, from personal spaces and relationships to culinary practices and mindfulness. At its core, Nagomi is about finding peace and contentment […]
A well-balanced, nutritious meal is typically brimming with a multitude of hues, particularly when incorporating fruits and vegetables. Frequently, we have inclinations towards foods of specific colours without being consciously aware. Chefs and culinary enthusiasts have long discerned the artistic potential of colours in their creations. The culinary landscape has borne witness to a revival […]
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can be a challenge amidst the demands of work, school, and other activities. Often, convenience foods take precedence over the joy of preparing a meal from scratch. However, carving out time for family cooking together can offer numerous benefits, and one essential aspect that […]
“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero-waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” Anne-Marie Bonneau In the UK, it is estimated that approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food is wasted every year. The average UK household throws away around £700 worth of food annually, which is equivalent to 4.5 million […]
There are plenty of articles out there discussing ways in which cooking can benefit your mental health. Just think about all the professional terminologies that exist: culinary therapy, culinary mindfulness, therapeutic cooking, etc. So, to put it simply, yes, cooking benefits your mental health. We have identified 5 benefits of cooking for your mental health […]
Ikigai is a Japanese concept linked to one’s purposes and values. There is no direct English translation but it refers to the reason you get up in the morning. It is a lifestyle that strives to balance the spiritual and the practical. But how do you find your Ikigai? The word Ikigai is a combination […]
In this article we will explore how the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi is found in wooden objects. But first, it is important to understand what wabi-sabi is. Wabi-sabi meaning Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy, that encourages one to accept and appreciate life the way it is: imperfect. It teaches us to acknowledge three simple […]
A traditional Japanese diet is well balanced. It contains more fish than red meat, plenty of vegetables, pickled and fermented foods, and small portions of rice. Raw fish in dishes are also common. The diet involves little highly processed food and lower overall sugar intake. Basically, the Japanese diet is low in calories and extremely […]
If you haven’t heard yet of the Slow Living trend – now more than ever you have the chance to practice it fully. The title explains it all – the essential message is about consuming less and taking a slower approach to everyday life. This phenomenon has its roots in the Slow Food movement, started by […]
Have you ever lost yourself in a project, so much so that you completely lost track of time? Being consumed by a task like that, while it can be rare for most people, is a state of being called Flow. And flow leads to happiness at work. From endless hours spent completing assignments at the […]
Macrobiotics is all about eating in balance. Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa developed this increasingly popular diet. He believed in a holistic approach to health that incorporates many aspects of one’s lifestyle: diet, exercise, meditation and ‘yin and yang’ energy of particular foods. He suggested that health was directly linked and guided by nature. Thereby, eating […]
Does your to-do list look like a never-ending chore? Do you feel the constant need to keep refreshing your wardrobe and improving your home to be “within trends”? Are you always buying new things, only for the shine to eventually wear off? Then you need to learn from the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi and […]
As a lifestyle ethos, minimalism encourages people eschew materialistic tendencies by spending their money on experiences rather than possessions. Popularised by nomads and driven by social media influencers, it has its strong grounds in science. A 20 year study conducted by Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, reached a powerful and straightforward […]
Stress is a natural part of life. While a certain amount of stress in our lives is normal and even necessary to keep us going, excessive stress can interfere with daily activities and take a toll on our personal lives and health. If you’re looking for a quick remedy to ease some of the overwhelming […]
The Japanese island of Okinawa nicknamed the Village of Longevity has residents with the highest life expectancy in the world. They also largely share a devotion to a Japanese philosophy known as ikigai (pronounced Ick-ee-guy), translated in a simple meaning as the happiness derived from being busy at some activity that holds meaning and purpose for […]
It’s a messy world and we all get the urge to try and organise what’s around us. How to get going around this smartly? The solution: minimalism Although it may feel like it, minimalism is not a modern lifestyle choice. Its roots go back as early as the 6th century BC. Some of history’s most venerated religious and […]
If you’ve never heard of or tried onsen before – you don’t know what you’re missing. An onsen is a hot natural spring where you can relax both body and mind. As Japan is situated in a volcanic area, thousands of onsens are scattered across the country in both urban and rural settings. Onsen hot […]
There’s a new movement raising around the world. Perhaps you’ve heard of it: Danshari. Its three kanji characters signify, respectively, refusal, disposal and separation. You can simply translate it as cleaning or tidying up, but there are psychological and even religious dimensions, deriving in part from buddhism and yoga, which suggest the disposal of mental, along with […]
In last years Europe has created a fascination for Scandinavian minimalism and simple, natural living. However, Scandinavians were not the only one who are in love simplicity – just look at Japan. Despite their vast distance, Japan and Sweden have similar design sensibilities. Like Scandinavia, Japan upholds design principles that use natural materials, clean lines, […]
