A contribution from our ‘woman in Tokyo, ‘ Tania Coke, who has recently moved to Japan. The following acronym was given to her by an elderly lady, and provides a way to ensure each meal is balanced and healthy.
It goes:
‘MAGO WA YASASHII’
It literally means ‘grandchildren are kindhearted’ and it stands for:
MA = mame = beans and bean products (tofu, edamame, youba etc.)
GO = goma = sesame
WA = wakame = wakame and all seaweeds
YA = yasai = vegetables
SA = sakana = fish
SHI = shiitake = shiitake and other mushrooms
I = IMO = sweet potato and sweet potato products
Itadakimasu!
