JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~ “Hara Hachi Bunme“: The Japanese Secret to Eating Healthy and Mindfully ~
Ahh, today’s meal was so delicious! I ate too much and now I can’t move…
Haha! That’s great to hear.
It was worth cooking then!
But Almis, have you ever heard the Japanese phrase “Hara Hachi Bunme” before?
That’s the phrase we briefly mentioned at the end when we talked about Japanese dining etiquettes.
Do you remember it?
Hmm, no, I don’t. What does it mean?
Tap to listen: “Hara Hachi Bunme”
It means “Eight parts out of ten for the stomach”.
In other words, you should stop eating when you’re about 80% full.
This idea comes from traditional Japanese wisdom.
By eating just enough, not too much, you support better digestion, avoid overeating, and stay healthier in the long run.
It’s not just about diet; it’s about mindfulness and respecting your body’s signals.
That’s such a thoughtful approach!
It’s kind of like the meaning of the famous Swedish word “Lagom” when it’s used to talk about food!
“Lagom” is a Swedish word that means “not too much, not too little, just right” or “balanced”.
80% full?! But what if it’s something super tasty like sushi?!
I don’t think I could stop!
Haha, I know the feeling, Pecco. But the idea is to enjoy your food without regret later.
When you stop at 80%, you leave the table feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
I might give that a try!
But when I’m in Japan with so many delicious dishes, I think I’ll aim for… maybe 95% full.
I’ll try too!
But just so you know… if it’s tuna, I’m going 120%! No one can stop me!
Summary
“Hara Hachi Bunme” means you should stop eating when you’re about 80% full.
