Don’t Eat Until You’re Full ― Instead, Mind Your Hara Hachi Bu Point

Hara hachi bu is a Japanese term meaning “Eat until you’re 80% full.” It originated in the city of Okinawa, where people use this advice as a way to control their eating habits. Interestingly, they have one of the lowest rates of illness from heart disease, cancer and stroke, and a fairly long life expectancy.

Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, says this approach is helpful because it instructs you to stop eating when you feel only slightly full.

“This is good advice for overeaters who are learning how to fill their stomachs only just enough,” Dr. Albers says. “Aiming for 80% full will likely help you get a good gauge on this.”

How hara hachi bu works

When you look at your plate, decide how much might make you feel full, and then estimate what 80% of that amount would look like. Perhaps it’s two-thirds of the food on your plate. Aim to feel satisfied and not hungry anymore, rather than full.

“Slow down while eating, and give your body time to register how much you’ve eaten,” Dr. Albers suggests. “If you eat quickly and stop at what you think is 80% full, you may actually be 100% full and not know it since your body hasn’t caught up yet with your mind.”

The 80% approach is also an important skill for undereaters, who may tend to feel too full or bloated when they eat a large meal. Feeling too full is a significant trigger of discomfort, negative feelings and the urge to purge.

“If you struggle with undereating, try eating smaller portions more often to help you cope with this feeling,” Dr. Albers says. “Aiming for 80% full should avoid triggering the ‘too full’ sensation.”

Remember: Minus one bite

Dr. Albers says it’s time to get out of the all-or-nothing mentality with portions.

“It’s hard to leave behind food that’s already on your plate, even when you know it might be more than you’re hungry for,” she says.

If you frequently find yourself mindlessly eating portions that are too big, start by just leaving one bite behind on your plate! Dr. Albers says then, once you have really got the hang of it, try leaving two bites.

“But don’t do this until you get comfortable with leaving behind one bite,” she cautions. “It’s easier to scale back in baby steps to a portion that meets your hunger than it is to begin by cutting portions in half. Pay attention to your thoughts and your body’s response to this approach.”

This article is adapted from Dr. Albers book “Eat, Drink and Be Mindful” (© 2008, New Harbinger Publications, Inc.)