New to Ichiju-sansai? 5 Common Mistakes and Easy Fixes
- Jerome Bello
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Embracing Ichiju-Sansai: A Simple Guide to Balanced Eating
Hello, everyone! 🌼
If you’ve recently discovered Ichiju-sansai and thought, “This looks beautiful but also a little intimidating,” you are not alone! Many people start with good intentions of trying to eat more balanced, mindful meals but end up feeling confused or overwhelmed. The truth is, Ichiju-sansai doesn't have to look Instagram-perfect. It is a simple structure that nourishes your body and encourages healthy eating habits.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 5 most common mistakes beginners make when trying Ichiju-sansai and how to fix them in a realistic, sustainable way. Let’s dive in!
Mistake 1: Thinking Ichiju-Sansai Must Be Fancy or Traditional
Ichiju-sansai is not supposed to be picture-perfect! We do not need complicated Japanese dishes, hard-to-find ingredients, or even perfect plating. It only needs our accessible idea of balance with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
Quick Fix
Focus on simple plating that can apply to your everyday ingredients.
Try this standard combo: rice, miso soup, egg, salad, and fish or meat.
Mistake 2: Making All Three Dishes the Same Type of Food
The second core principle of Ichiju-sansai is variety! Every meal should be a fun exploration of textures and flavors. We don't want to get burnt out with the same veggies every day.
Quick Fix
Aim for 1 protein dish, 1 soup, and 1 cup of rice.
Meal example: Sweet Tangy Teriyaki Salmon + Tomato Miso Soup +
1 cup of rice.
Mistake 3: Making Portions Too Large
When we overload our plates, we feel too full and uncomfortable. This goes against the idea of a balanced meal.
Quick Fix
The secret to healthy eating lies in small but diverse portions.
Eat until you’re about 80% full by chewing slowly. This way, your stomach recognizes fullness sooner!
Mistake 4: Trying to Cook Everything from Scratch Every Meal
Building habits should always be grounded. We cannot source fresh and seasonal ingredients all the time. Otherwise, we would feel burnt out and unmotivated to cook.
Quick Fix
Regularly use leftovers for different recipes. You can also practice meal prep to get more value.
Store-bought veggies, tofu, and natto are all fine!
Mistake 5: Treating Soup as Optional
Soup is the heart of Ichiju-sansai! It acts as a good refresher and ending to every meal. <3
Quick Fix
Go for basic soup recipes like Miso Soup using Dashi Packet. It's great for busy bees!
Understand its benefits: it hydrates, aids in digestion, and slows down one's eating.
🌸 Gentle Note from Miwa
If you’ve made mistakes with Ichiju-sansai before, it doesn’t mean you failed! You just need a gentle guide to assist you with your unique situation.
With my 60-day coaching program, we can help you turn these mistakes into actual sustainable habits without stress and restriction. Together, we can positively reframe your relationship with food, take care of your body in the process, and achieve consistency in the kitchen. I'm here to chat when you're ready! :)
🌟 Conclusion: Embrace the Journey!
Remember, embracing Ichiju-sansai is a journey! It’s all about balance, variety, and enjoying the process. Don’t stress about perfection. Just take it one meal at a time. You’ve got this!
Let’s make healthy eating a joyful experience together!