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Fitness coach shares ‘Japanese eating rule’ Hara Hachi Bu to stay lean and shredded without ever dieting

Published on: Sep 8, 2025, 13:30:46 IST
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Fitness coach reveals Japanese secret to enjoy meals without gaining fat. (Unsplash)
Fitness coach reveals Japanese secret to enjoy meals without gaining fat. (Unsplash)

Fitness coach Lars Meidell reveals a centuries-old Japanese rule, Hara Hachi Bu, that helps you eat smarter, enjoy meals, and stay lean without strict dieting.

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels impossible to stay shredded while still enjoying your meals, you’re not alone. Many of us eat until the plate is clean, not until our body says stop. But in Japan, a cultural practice has been helping people maintain balance and good health for generations.

Fitness coach Lars Meidell explained this Japanese eating rule, revealing how it teaches you to slow down, listen to your body, and eat smarter instead of less. (Also read: Fitness coach shares '20 vegetarian foods that have more protein than eggs': Soy chunks, Amaranth, chana dal, chia seeds )

What is Japanese rule of Hara Hachi Bu

Lars explains in his September 7 Instagram post, “Do you feel like restaurants are making you fat? Well, it’s time to learn a Japanese eating rule called Hara Hachi Bu. The idea is simple eat until you’re about 80% full, then stop. No calorie counting, no tracking macros. Just pause halfway through your meal and ask yourself: Am I still hungry, or am I just eating because the food is in front of me? Think about how many times you’ve cleaned your plate for that very reason.”

Why slowing down matters

He adds, “The best foods to avoid are fried items like fries or heavy carbs like bread. This Japanese rule also encourages eating slowly, which gives your body time to release leptin, the hormone that signals fullness, so you feel satisfied faster. The Japanese have been following this principle for centuries to prevent overeating and belly fat.”

“It’s not restaurants that ruin your fat loss, it’s your eating habits in general. You don’t need to obsess over calories or restrict yourself so much that you can’t even enjoy a meal with your family. But if you’re a busy, high-performing man without food awareness, fat loss becomes almost impossible,” says Lars.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  • Akanksha Agnihotri
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Akanksha Agnihotri

    Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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