The 80% Rule: Okinawa's Secret to Longer, Healthier Living
Okinawa’s tradition of hara hachi bu—eating until about 80% full—naturally reduces daily calories by roughly 10–20%, a pattern supported by caloric-restriction research. The CALERIE trials show moderate restriction can slow biological aging by about 2–3% (as measured by epigenetic clocks) and improve cardiometabolic health; while the cultural context and lifestyle play a crucial role in transferability, this is best viewed as mindful eating rather than a strict diet for non-Okinawans.