
Hara Hachi Bu: Japan's secret to healthy eating
Hara Hachi Bu is a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to: 'eat until you are 80 per cent full.'
Credit: Freepik
It is a traditional ritual that focuses on mindful eating - portion size, reducing over eating, weight control etc.
Credit: Pexels
The idea here is to pay attention to food and how you eat it. It requires one to slow down and help body realise when it is full.
Eating till you are 80 per cent full gives your body the time to catch up and realise how satiated it really is.
Credit: Unsplash
This helps to reduce excessive calorie intake, risk of over eating, and may help in weight management as well.
To practice Hara Hachi Bu, one needs to eat smaller portion size, chew slowly and properly. It also calls for steering clear of distractions like phone.
This further helps in better digestion, enhances metabolic rate and healthy ageing as well. In today's fast paced world, making little lifestyle changes can help go a long way.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Health coach shares 3 missing pieces of weight loss in 40s: It's not just about 'eating more protein and walking'
Weight loss tends to become more challenging after the age of 40. The quick results you might have experienced in your 20s through strength training and a protein-rich diet are often harder to achieve as you get older. Addressing this issue, health coach Danaelle A. Mason, who regularly shares valuable tips on weight loss, healthy habits, and sustainable living on her Instagram, discussed the topic in a post shared on June 22. Also read | Woman who lost 36 kgs shares 5 simple steps that helped her drop from XL to XS size: 'Treat exercise like a job' Weight loss in 40s is not just about eating more protein and walking.(Pexels) 'Everyone keeps telling you to eat more protein and walk to lose weight in your 40's, but here's what they're not telling you,' Danaelle wrote. The health coach further shared '3 missing pieces that nobody talks about.' 1. When you eat that protein matters Eating all your protein at dinner isn't going to cut it. Your body can only use about 25-30g at a time for muscle building. Spread it out - 25g at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This keeps your metabolism firing all day long. 2. The type of walking you're doing Not all steps are created equal. Those leisurely strolls around the block? They're great for stress relief but won't move the scale. You need to challenge your body - hills, inclines, or interval walking that gets your heart pumping. 3. Your hormones are working against you This is the big one they never mention... In your 40s, declining estrogen makes your body want to store fat around your middle. All the protein and walking in the world won't fix hormonal resistance. You need strength training to build muscle that burns fat 24/7, plus stress management to keep cortisol in check. Also read | Health coach shares 10 tips to lose body fat 2x faster: 'Eat more veggies' 'I spent months spinning my wheels with basic advice until I figured this out. Once I started timing my protein, walking with purpose, and lifting weights 3x per week, everything clicked. The truth? Generic advice doesn't work for women over 40. Your body has different needs now, and you deserve strategies that actually work for your hormones, not against them,' the health coach explained. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Hormonal imbalance and mental health: Doctor shares 5 ways how hormones can affect your mood
Hormones, produced by endocrine glands, play a significant role in maintaining the bodily functions. Metabolism, sexual health, mental health and mood are determined by the hormonal balance of the body. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shwetal Gadhavi, senior consultant and HOD, preventive health services, HCG Hospitals. Ahmedabad explained how hormonal imbalances can affect mood and mental health, triggering anxiety, depression and mood swings. Also read | Common reasons of hormonal imbalance in women Hormonal imbalances can affect mood and mental health, triggering anxiety, depression and mood swings. (Freepik) 1. A chemical messenger: When the endocrine doesn't produce a sufficient number of hormones, an imbalance takes place. This imbalance of hormones can lead to problems with mental health, making issues like anxiety, mood swings, or depression worse. 2. Act of cortisol: A Drop in stress hormones, mostly cortisol, can impact mental health, as it affects blood sugar and insulin levels, which can further lower serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter. And estrogen can influence serotonin, which is present in the brain, making you feel calm and happy. 3. Thyroid and other health conditions: Similarly, our body's thyroid gland also produces energy hormones, and fluctuations in it can cause anxiety. Hormones can get disrupted due to various reasons like PCOS/PCOD, thyroid disorders, sedentary lifestyle, Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, menopause and chronic stress. It further tends to manifest anxiety, irritability, nervousness, mood swings, or even depression. Also read | Can you balance your hormones with diet, lifestyle changes? Doctor shares 9 things to do: 'Sleep for 7-8 hours' Anxiety, mood swings and depression is common in people with hormonal imbalances.(Shutterstock) 4. Imbalance in hormones and disruption in sleep: The hormone melatonin is responsible for sleep regulation but can get disrupted by cortisol and other hormonal imbalances. And lack of sleep can worsen anxiety, depression, and irritability, creating a vicious cycle. 5. Postpartum and hormonal imbalance: After childbirth, the hormones of women, that is, estrogen and progesterone levels, drop sharply, which is a major cause of postpartum depression or anxiety. When to see a doctor? If there are persistent mood changes, fatigue, or brain fog, it shouldn't be ignored, thinking it to be just stress. One should consult or go for a holistic evaluation when your body shows signs like tiredness, trouble sleeping, muscle pain, fatigue, trouble remembering things, frequent changes in the heart rate, digestive issues, greying or loss of hair, change in weight, etc. Also read | Do you have a hormonal imbalance? Signs to know and natural remedies for relief Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
World Lipstick Day: Dermatologist reveals if using lipstick every day safe for your lips
Let's admit it ladies, we all have tons of lipstick shades in our drawer and we of course don't mind adding a few more! Be it a ravishing and bold red lip shade for a night out or a nude shade for all your work days, we have different shades for different occasion. However, frequent and unmindful usage of lipsticks can lead to skin concerns, says a dermatologist on the occasion of World Lipstick Day. World Lipstick Day: Dr. Rinky Kapoor tells how safe are lipstick(Pexels) 'Lips are uniquely vulnerable because they lack oil glands and have thinner skin, making them prone to dryness, irritation, and pigmentation. Prolonged use of low-quality lipsticks, particularly those containing synthetic dyes, preservatives, or fragrances, can contribute to issues like allergic contact cheilitis or chronic chapping, especially if the product isn't removed thoroughly at the end of the day,' dermatologist Dr Rinky Kapoor, Director and Co-Founder of The Esthetic Clinics, tells HT Lifestyle. This is why it is crucial to pick your lipstick wisely and refrain from any low-quality lipsticks. She suggests on choosing high quality lipsticks, preferably, apply with SPF infused lip balm to protect them from the UV rays. Are lipsticks safe to use daily? Most dermatologically-tested lipsticks are safe for daily wear. According to Dr Kapoor, these days, many modern formulas include hydrating agents like vitamin E, squalene, or natural oils that are safe to use. However, repeated application, especially without a hydrating base, can cause dryness or irritation in some users. She also claims that a few lipsticks may also have low levels of heavy metals like lead or cadmium in certain products, which is unsafe for your lips in the long run. 'That's why I advise using lipsticks from transparent, well-regulated brands and paying attention to how your lips respond," says Dr Kapoor. Are natural or organic lipsticks better for lips? 'Not always,' says the expert. 'The terms 'natural' and 'organic' are appealing, but they don't guarantee safety. While organic lipsticks may avoid synthetic dyes and preservatives, they are not immune to causing irritation. The real benefit lies in simpler ingredient lists and fewer additives, which can help those with sensitivities," she adds. In a nutshell, the safest lipstick, as per her is not the most botanical, it's the one that's well-tested, well-formulated, and suited to your individual skin type. How to maintain lip care while using lipstick regularly? Avoid over-applying drying, matte formulas, and always remove lipstick completely at the end of the day. 'Healthy lips require more than just choosing the right lipstick, it begins with a protective base, a hydrating, non-irritating balm, to reduce moisture loss and irritation,' she asserts. In addition, Dr Kapoor also recommends gentle exfoliation that helps prevent flaking and improves product application. She also suggests using an overnight lip mask or thick balm to support skin repair. 'Also consider SPF-infused lip products to prevent sun-induced pigmentation, which is often overlooked', says Dr. Rinky. What to look for in a dermatologically safe lipstick? 'Look for lipsticks labelled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologically tested. These markers indicate lower risk of irritation," explains Dr Kapoor. Also look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, ceramides, or vitamin E in your lipstick. 'Avoid vague terms like parfum, harsh preservatives, and overly bright synthetic dyes unless they are certified for cosmetic use." And when in doubt, patch test! Understanding ingredient labels: Spotting irritants and allergens Reading ingredient labels can feel daunting, but a few common red flags make it easier. 'Irritants often include synthetic dyes like Red 7 Lake, parabens, artificial fragrances, and preservatives like methylisothiazolinone," she says. The fact is that even natural ingredients like peppermint oil, lanolin, or citrus extracts can trigger reactions in sensitive users. Dr Kapoor recommends to look for full INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) listings and certifications like ECOCERT or EWG Verified. Rise of conscious beauty: How consumers can make safer choices The conscious beauty movement has shifted focus from appearance to overall wellness and ingredient integrity. This is especially important for products like lipstick, where ingestion of trace ingredients is a possibility. Today's consumers are more informed and demand transparency, which is a welcome change. 'To make safer choices, read labels, know your sensitivities, and opt for brands that provide full ingredient disclosures and undergo clinical testing. Ethical production and environmental responsibility are added benefits—but they must go hand in hand with dermatological safety. Informed beauty is beautiful, and far safer in the long run,' she says. Though, these above-mentioned points will help you find the perfect lipstick without damaging your lips in the long run, it is crucial to consult a dermatologist or skin expert if you have persistent skin issues or are allergic to any ingredient. In a nutshell, applying lipsticks is fine and healthy unless you are using a high quality product, and keep your lips nourished to prevent dryness. Similar articles for you: Hair care routine for women: Our ultimate guide for silky, shiny, and glossy hair How AI is revolutionising skincare by offering personalised and precise skin remedies: Experts say it's here to stay Celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni suggests top makeup tips to ace your monsoon look How to clean your makeup brush and sponges for the ultimate hygiene check; Our detailed guide for you Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.