Okinawa’s 80 Percent Full Eating Habit Linked to Longevity and Lower Cancer Rates
The secret to Okinawa’s extraordinary longevity might be found in a simple, ancient practice: eating until you’re just 80 percent full.
Known as “hara hachi bu,” this mindful approach to meals has been linked to the island’s low rates of chronic diseases and obesity, making it a fascinating focus for those seeking sustainable health solutions. It’s clear that “hara hachi bu” offers more than just a dietary guideline—it’s a potential blueprint for living longer, healthier lives.
The Okinawa Diet’s Key Principle
The Okinawa diet, rooted in traditional Japanese practices, focuses on plant-based, whole foods and promotes the idea of “hara hachi bu,” which means eating until you’re 80 percent full. This approach contrasts sharply with the common Western notion of clearing your plate, potentially offering a path to better health.
Challenging the “Clean Plate” Mentality
While many were raised to believe that finishing every bite was essential, the concept of hara hachi bu suggests otherwise. Leaving a portion of your meal behind could, in fact, be a healthier choice.
A Cultural Practice Gains Global Attention
Hara hachi bu has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries, but it gained widespread attention after the Netflix docu-series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones premiered in August 2023. The show highlights how this practice might contribute to Okinawa’s remarkable number of centenarians.
The Power of Small Portions
In Okinawa, it’s common to hear people recite “hara hachi bu” before eating, reinforcing the habit of stopping before feeling completely full. This ritual has been passed down through generations and may be key to the region’s impressive longevity.
Understanding “Hara Hachi Bu”
“Hara hachi bu” translates directly to “belly 80 percent full,” a guideline followed in Japan for over 300 years. The practice dates back to the Edo Period and remains a popular saying in Japanese culture today.
A Philosophy with Historical Roots
The phrase originated in 1713 when philosopher and botanist Ekiken Kaibara introduced it in his book Yojokun: Life Lessons From A Samurai. The idea was to cultivate self-awareness and stop eating before reaching full capacity.
Benefits Beyond Fullness
Adopting hara hachi bu can help prevent gastrointestinal issues and promote a healthier mindset. The practice certainly worked for Kaibara, who lived to 83, a remarkable age during a time when life expectancy was under 50.
A Ritual of Restraint
Older Okinawans often say “hara hachi bu” out loud before meals, a practice observed by Buettner during his travels. This simple ritual serves both as a blessing and a reminder to eat mindfully.
Enhancing Meal Enjoyment
Hara hachi bu encourages people to savor their food, leading to greater satisfaction at mealtimes. Paying attention to flavors, textures, and aromas can make eating a more enjoyable and mindful experience.
A Sustainable Eating Strategy
Rather than a restrictive diet, hara hachi bu offers a sustainable approach to eating. It emphasizes portion control and mindful eating without the need to eliminate favorite foods, making it more practical for long-term health.
Supporting Digestive Health
Eating until you’re 80 percent full can aid digestion and reduce strain on your organs. Overeating slows down digestion and can lead to discomfort, while hara hachi bu helps to prevent issues like acid reflux and bloating.
Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Hara hachi bu not only eases digestion but may also help regulate blood sugar levels. By encouraging smaller portions, this practice could reduce the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, promoting overall health.
Mindful Eating for Stress Management
Women are significantly more likely to experience anxiety and mood disorders, often turning to food in response to stress, according to a 2021 study in Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. For those who find themselves snacking under stress, “hara hachi bu” could be a valuable tool in developing a healthier relationship with food.
The Impact of Mindful Eating
Practicing “hara hachi bu” can help distinguish between physical hunger and emotional eating. By focusing on mindful eating, individuals may reduce stress and foster a more positive relationship with food.
Reducing the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Adopting “hara hachi bu” could lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Studies have shown that Okinawans who practice this philosophy tend to have fewer age-related illnesses and lower rates of diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Longevity and Health in Okinawa
In Okinawa, those who adhere to traditional Japanese eating habits, including “hara hachi bu,” experience significantly lower rates of prostate, colon, and breast cancers compared to the rest of Japan. With obesity rates far below those in the United States, this practice contributes to the overall health and longevity seen in Okinawan communities.
Potential Risks of “Hara Hachi Bu”
While “hara hachi bu” offers many benefits, it’s not without potential risks, especially for those unfamiliar with mindful eating. Misjudging fullness can lead to over- or under-eating, and for individuals with a history of eating disorders, this practice may pose additional challenges.
Considerations for Those with Eating Disorders
People with a history of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, should be cautious when trying “hara hachi bu.” Consulting with a medical professional before adopting this method is recommended to ensure it’s practiced safely.
Practicing “Hara Hachi Bu” Safely
“Hara hachi bu” can benefit anyone, particularly those struggling with portion control or overeating. Even individuals with a history of disordered eating can participate safely by consulting with a healthcare provider and following step-by-step guidelines.
Creating a Peaceful Eating Environment
To practice “hara hachi bu” effectively, create a calm, distraction-free environment for meals. This might mean eating away from your usual dining spot if that helps you focus on the experience of eating mindfully.
Mindfulness and Hunger Awareness
Begin meals by assessing your hunger and starting with non-starchy vegetables. Chewing thoroughly and pausing between bites can help you recognize when you’re approaching 80 percent fullness.
Learning to Stop at 80 Percent Full
Stopping at 80 percent full may take some adjustment if you’re used to eating until completely full. Giving your body time to register fullness by eating slowly can help you get accustomed to this new approach.
Visualizing Portion Sizes
Visualizing 80 percent of a portion before eating can be a practical way to apply “hara hachi bu.” Estimating the right amount and pausing to reassess hunger during the meal supports mindful eating.
Pausing Before Seconds
“Hara hachi bu” isn’t about deprivation; it’s about awareness. Taking a mindful pause before deciding on seconds allows you to check in with your body and decide if you’re truly still hungry.
Tracking Your Progress with a Food Journal
Keeping a food journal during your initial practice of “hara hachi bu” can offer valuable insights. Documenting what you eat, how you feel, and where you are on the fullness scale can help refine your approach and celebrate your progress.
Jody Lynn
Jody Lynn is an accomplished writer and content editor with many years of experience teaching writing, English literature, and screenwriting. She holds a master's degree in English from Ohio University. Jody lives in Bend, Oregon with her family where she enjoys outdoor adventures, live music, film, theater, and travel.