In the third chapter of the Ikigai series, Elements retirement (Springwood) founder Chiou See Anderson examines the concept of being content and satiated when 80% full.
CS: In the book on Ikigai, the residents on Okinawa Island attribute part of their longevity not just to what they eat but learning to stop eating when they are 80% full. Is this something that you consciously do?
JF: When I was growing up on a farm, food was a scarce commodity. Living so far away from shops also meant that we did not have easy access to a variety of food. The younger Julie tended to eat for comfort, a habit which continued for too many years. Getting older was never a fear. However, I decided that if I had control, I wanted to avoid being unhealthy and unfit. I am conscious of the effect of eating the incorrect amount or type of food and thankfully have modified my diet. No more do I feel the need to finish all the food on my plate when eating out and I have learnt to serve myself smaller meals at home. Dessert is either shared or omitted.
CS: Do you find that in retirement, when you no longer face time constraints, that you are better able to eat the right quantity and quality of food? What advice would you give someone who may struggle to find that balance?
JF: Before I retired, I was doing shift work and that makes planning and preparing regular meals difficult. Retirement gives me structure in my daily life, and I can spend time purchasing fresh ingredients to cook my own meals, without resorting to takeaway and processed food, which is just a “quick fix”. I find cooking in bulk and using the freezer useful when time is limited.
CS: You have a non-meat diet. How long ago did you stop eating meat and why did you do that? Did you notice a significant improvement to your health?
JF: On a road trip to country Victoria 20 years ago, I first thought about the meat I was eating. There was a drought and I saw lambs beside dying mothers, so for ethical reasons, I stopped eating lamb. Over a period, I started omitting beef and chicken although I do eat seafood. The most difficult part of that decision is living with a carnivore who detests vegetables or any meal without meat. Thankfully, he likes cooking, so problem solved, he cooks his and I cook mine. I grow some vegetables, many herbs and have several fruit trees in my courtyard and it is very satisfying to access ingredients from my own garden. Since my decision to not eat meat, I have maintained a healthy weight and feel happy with energy levels.
CS: Do you think that this concept of being content when you have reached 80% applies to other aspects of life?
JF: I consider fortunate to be able to make the choices I have. When I moved to Elements, I made the decision to maintain outside interests, often even adding more. One thing I try to avoid is making too many commitments, preferring flexibility in my schedule so that I can make time for myself. So, yes, in my case, the 80% rule applies equally to commitments.
