Hawaiʻian Diet
Looking for ‘real’ Hawaiʻian food. The good stuff – fresh fish, papaya, fiddle head fern and homemade poi? Chef Thomas Muromoto of the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is known for taking this healthy diet based on the regime by Dr. Terry Shintani and bringing it to life at the casual on-site restaurant, Tiki Terrace Restaurant. Call 808-667-0124 for reservations. I often recommend this spot for my friends when staying in Ka’anapali, besides the fun casual outdoor setting and nutritious and tasty meal, it’s one of the best values around.
A bit about the Hawaiʻian Diet…
Dr. Shintani found the pre- Lays potato chips and Big Mac – native Hawaiʻian cuisine is known for having high amounts of wholesome starches, a fair amount of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber as well as having low amount of calories from fat.
Seaweed has a close chemical composition to blood plasma in humans, which helps purify blood. It also contains high levels of iodine and Vitamin K essential for recovering from injuries because it not only reduces the risk of bone fracturing and bone loss, but regulates blood clotting. Seaweed also has more calcium than milk.
The fish wrapped in laulau ( taro leaves) not only offers Omega-3 fatty acids that help the health of your brain and heart, but the taro leaves contain many vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Papaya is a good source of vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants. It reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and aids in digestion.
Pineapple contains Vitamin C, Manganese, and fiber. It decreases the risk of obesity, improves complexion and hair, lower blood pressure, and overall helps lower weight.
Bananas have high amounts of potassium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6. They are known to reduce swelling, protect against type 2 diabetes, strengthen the nervous system, lower blood pressure, and help with the production of white blood cells.
Fiddlehead Ferns are high in Vitamin C and A and minerals and electrolytes. Because of their large amount of Omega-3 they are a great anti-inflammatory, they prevent heart disease, a great source of weight balancing fiber, and are said to be the ultimate antioxidant.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Hawaiʻi Islander
