Apparently this is common knowledge in Japan. Basically it means eating only until you are about 80% full.

Which doesn't mean piling your plate up high and then leaving 20% (which would be considered very rude indeed). It does mean not having eyes bigger than your stomach (Mum was right all along!).

Not only does this appear to benefit your health as there is an argument that slightly restricted food intake may contribute to longevity but it will certainly make you less likely to be obese.

It's also a fight back against avid consumerism and the food porn of highly processed sugary addictions.

And if you feel hungry before you eat you certainly appreciate that food, where it came from, who produced it and who cooked it a whole lot more than if you aren't feeling hungry at all.

But hara hachi bu is not an endorsement of eating disorders which are kind of the flip side of obesity and consumerism and loss of homeo stasis or balance. If you're bingeing and purging get help asap. Your GP should be your first port of call and then gather as much help as you need from family and friends.