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THE JAPANESE SECRET TO HEALTHIER LIVING
A few years ago, I found myself stuck in a cycle of overeating and feeling sluggish. I had tried various diets and eating plans, but nothing seemed to stick. Then, I came across "Hara Hachi Bu," the Japanese practice of eating until you're 80% full. It sounded simple and made sense, so I decided to give it a shot.
My first real attempt was during dinner with friends. Normally, I’d just keep eating until my plate was clean, not really paying attention to how full I felt. But that night, halfway through my meal, I paused. I took a moment to really taste my food and noticed I was starting to feel satisfied, not stuffed. It felt strange but good to stop eating before feeling completely full.
That night, I reflected on how often I ate out of habit rather than hunger. The next morning, I applied the same approach to breakfast. I made a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit and ate slowly, enjoying each bite. I stopped when I felt comfortably full. This mindful way of eating started to become a new habit.
Over the next few weeks, I noticed some big changes. My digestion improved, and I no longer felt heavy and bloated after meals. I had more energy throughout the day and felt more stable emotionally. What surprised me most was the emotional shift. Eating had always been a way to cope with stress, but now, mindful eating itself became a calming practice. It was like a form of meditation that helped me stay present.
My friends and family started to notice the difference, too. They saw that I had more energy and seemed happier. When they asked what I was doing differently, I shared my experience with Hara Hachi Bu. It wasn’t some strict diet or a fad; it was a simple, mindful approach to eating that anyone could adopt.
The real test came during the holidays, a time when it’s easy to overindulge. I practiced Hara Hachi Bu at holiday meals, enjoying my favorite foods but stopping when I felt satisfied. For the first time, I left those meals feeling content rather than regretful. This solidified my belief in the practice. It wasn’t about depriving myself; it was about finding balance.
Incorporating Hara Hachi Bu into my life transformed my relationship with food. I started listening to my body and eating with intention. This mindfulness spilled over into other areas of my life, making me more present and appreciative of everyday moments.
This practice taught me that life’s quality isn’t about having more but about appreciating what we already have. Making thoughtful choices and being present became central to my daily life. This simple practice from Okinawa brought a profound sense of peace and fulfillment into my life, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. If you’re looking for a way to improve your well-being, give Hara Hachi Bu a try. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.
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