What is the Japanese habit ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ that helps with weight loss?

Japanese are known have healthy living habits. Here is one which may help to reduce weight and improve overall digestion too.

Sedentary lifestyle takes a toll on the best of us. Japanese lifestyle has several phenomenon, trends that actually are inculcated in their everyday lifestyle. Weight loss has become one aspect that everyone seems to be hopping on. There is one practice that is said to add a better spin on quality of life. Hara hachi bu is a Japanese practise that may help a person to lead a healthy and more fit lifestyle.

What is Hara Hachi Bu?

This is a traditional Japanese practice that literally translates to “eat until you are 80% full.” This lifestyle secret (not so secret) dates back to centuries. A philosopher named Ekiken Kaibara first talked about it and introduced it  in his book ‘Yojokun: Life Lessons From A Samurai’ back in 1713.  

The Right Way to Hara Hachi Bu

• Mindful Eating: The Japanese Hara hachi bu encourages individuals to pay attention to their hunger and satiety cues.  According to this concept one must not try to eat until completely full. This leads to overeating. This rule advocates for put a halt when one feels about 80% satisfied.
• Slow Eating: Eating slowly is a cardinal pillar of hara hachi bu. Why is slow eating important? When an individual takes time to enjoy each bite, the brain gets a better chance to register fullness signals from the stomach. This can lead to smaller portion sizes and reduced caloric intake, aiding in weight loss. Better chewing of food also aids digestion.
• Smaller Portions: Moderation is one of the keys to a healthy living. Hara hachi bu naturally encourages smaller portion sizes to control overeating, weight gain.  It is also better to eat in smaller sizes as it lowers risk of wastage.
• Reduced Caloric Intake: By stopping at 80% fullness, individuals naturally consume fewer calories that helps wit weight loss. Calorie deficit is essential for effective weight loss.

Hara hachi bu is not particularly restrictive diet but rather a sustainable lifestyle change. This Japanes tradition is a holistic approach to eating that emphasises mindfulness, moderation, and fit lifestyle. By incorporating this habit into everyday life, individuals may achieve their weight loss goals while fostering a healthier relationship with food.