Don't Eat So Fast!

Eating fast seems to be a byproduct of modern western culture. We are on the run, and often eat quickly to meet demands on our time. However, that may be a major factor in excess weight gain. The people of Okinawa, Japan provide a lesson in this regard. They have the worlds highest concentration of centenarians (over 100 years of age) and are considered one of the healthiest cultures on earth.

The Okinawans have the habit of eating only until they are about 80 percent full. As a result, they rarely overeat. This helps avoid needless weight gain. In fact they have a term for it: "Hara Hachi Bu - eat until you are 80% full." It makes perfect sense. There’s about a 20-minute delay before the stomach tells the brain that it is full.

That simple practice leaves more energy for other activities, and contributes to more consistent weight control. And it may contribute to better overall health. In Okinawa, Heart Disease rates are 80% lower, and stroke rates lower than in the US. Cholesterol levels are typically under 180, homocystein levels are low and blood pressure at goal levels.

When older folks in Okinawa meet their children and grandchildren after a time apart, their greeting is likely to be, "Are you eating good food?" Eating healthy food and taking time to enjoy a meal is an Okinawan tradition with rich benefits. Do you think they are on to something?