Hara hachi bun me

On a recent trip our group learned that Japanese culture places a high value on appreciating and respecting food. Here are several proverbs and phrases which reflect this custom. 

Itadakimasu (I humbly receive), which is said before a meal

Gochisousama deshita (Thank you for the meal), said afterward. 

Oishii (Delicious)

Hara hachi bun me (Eat until you are eight parts full). This Confucian teaching encourages eating until you are only 80% full thereby promoting mindful eating as well as preventing overeating.