Hara Hachi Bun Me
"Hara Hachi Bun Me" is a Japanese phrase that translates to "eat until you are 80% full." It is also the description of the Anti-Wellness “diet” known as 80Bites. If you do not overconsume at one meal and eat four times a day, you will probably consume 80 BITES. This means about 600 CHEWS!!
Hara Hachi Bun Me has gained popularity in discussions around health and wellness as it embodies a principle of mindful eating and moderation. This concept is associated with the Okinawan diet, which is linked to longevity and a lower risk of chronic diseases. The Okinawans live in one of the five Blue Zones where elders live pain-free.
People are increasingly looking for sustainable approaches to eating that promote overall well-being, and this HARA HACHI BUN ME phrase encapsulates a simple yet effective guideline. It encourages individuals to listen to their bodies and avoid overeating. How much and HOW—not what. What has the what given us? Five eating disorders and non-stop obesity and so many chronic diseases.
Eating less, less often aligns with modern interests in conservation and the environment. It does require mindfulness. On the other hand, wellness losers really don’t like HARA HACHI BUN ME. They are all into exactly what failed. Sixty years of focusing on WHAT to eat—not how much.
Japan is a foodie culture. People eat broadly and they never limit choices. They don’t feel guilty about liking sweets. In fact, the recent Worldwide Pastry competition was won by Japanese chef Moe Takahashi, a Japanese chef. Everyone expected the winner to be French!
80Bites used to be called Diet Directives. It was created in 1986 by Meredith Luce MS RD LN and Joan Breibart. In April 1987 SELF magazine published five pages in color about this program titled “The No-Diet Diet.” And it was written by Candace Bushnell of SEX & the City who still follows it!!
Despite the publicity, NO ONE GOT it. Why? America’s economy is based on consumer gluttony so the more the better. Go Big or Go HOME!!
Japanese culture is based on quality not quantity. So now that we are 60% obese—Japan has an obesity rate of 3.8%—we are looking to them and to Hara Hachi Bun Me—aka 80bites www.80bites.com—for our salvation. Of course, we now have Ozempic to help us too.
Americans don’t know that elsewhere food is expensive and has actual TASTE!! Blindfolded, most American food can’t be recognized when put in the mouth. Of course, in the mouth and then we swallow. NO chewing here!!
It’s good we have finally recognized our mistakes. Afghanistan was a huge mistake—only 20 years to recognize it. But we still have ALL YOU CAN EAT RESTAURANTS. Red Lobster went bust because the limits of the American stomach can’t be reached.
Today we have Ozempic or Bariatric Surgery. 80 Bites training. Our environment and our bodies need us to stop and remember Hara Hachi Bun Me.
