What Is Hara Hachi Bu and does it really help you stay younger?

The principle of Hara Hachi Bu, "Eat until you are 80% full", is not a recent fad, but rather a traditional practice that is associated with mindful eating; generally, it has been known to promote improved digestion and has been thought to have potential effects on controlling body weight, promoting optimum overall health and possibly extending the body's life. By practising moderation in your food consumption, followers of Hara Hachi Bu can avoid excess calorie consumption and decrease metabolic stress, both of which are crucial components to maintaining a lean and fit body throughout your entire lifespan.

The origins and benefits of Hara Hachi Bu

Hara Hachi Bu originated among the population of Okinawa, Japan, which is known for its high incidence of longevity among its residents. The central philosophy of Hara Hachi Bu is simple: one should stop eating before feeling completely satisfied but still feeling "hungry". Therefore, one should stop eating when feeling approximately 80% full.

Experts observe that limiting your food portions through this practice promotes a healthier body weight and reduces one's chances of developing obesity by improving the condition of the digestive system and improving metabolic systems. Moderate food consumption will not only improve one's body weight but also develop more nutritious diets by reducing the chances of binge eating and overeating on highly processed and high-calorie foods.

Overall, this method coincides with many of the larger ideas of mindful eating such as focusing on your body's signals to eat (when you are hungry), eating at a slower pace (so you can enjoy your meal), and being present and aware while enjoying a good meal versus eating too much and being too distracted by other things.

If practiced consistently, Hara Hachi Bu can lead to:

- Maintaining a healthy weight over time;

- Reducing chances of developing chronic illnesses; and potentially;

- Slowing down the aging process owing to reduced oxidative stress or metabolic overload.

However, Hara Hachi Bu will not provide you with "youth" or longevity on its own. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive lifestyle that includes: an adequate supply of nutrients, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding unhealthy habits.

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