"Japan's Surprising Take on Indulgent Food: A Healthier Alternative to the US"
Japanese wellness writer Kaki Okumura, who grew up in the US and Japan, shares her perspective on indulgent food. In Japan, indulgence is not solely based on calories or perceived unhealthiness, but rather on seasonality, freshness, locality, and production techniques. Fresh produce, seafood, and artisanally-grown fruits are often seen as indulgent. Okumura emphasizes that indulgent food and healthy food are not mutually exclusive, and viewing indulgence through the lens of quality and taste can expand our understanding of eating well.