They eat smaller portions wong yu liang/Shutterstock Overeating is less of a problem in Japanese culture due to the nature of their workday. Having to rise early to commute to work and return late means meals on the run and in smaller portions. According to Theodore Takata , MD, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Texas Health Fort Worth, "The Japanese have portion control ingrained in their culture. Following a particularly good meal, the Japanese use the phrase 'Hara Hachi Bu.' This phrase simply means 80 percent, as in 80 percent full. At 100 percent, a person is said to feel uncomfortable and stuffed." They eat fermented foods Yeo Jung Kim/Shutterstock No Korean meal is complete without a side dish (or two) of kimchi. The fermented food craze has been widely praised by nutrition experts: According to Ornish Lifestyle Medicine , "Fermented foods reduce inflammation, improve immunity, digestion and gut health, support weight...