For hygiene reasons, it is standard practice to always sit on a towel.
Getting naked, especially in relaxing environments like Japanese bathhouses, is documented as a way to reduce stress, build self-confidence, and improve mental health.
This isn't about counting bites. It’s about pausing halfway through a meal and asking, "Does this still taste amazing, or am I just shoveling?" You are allowed to leave food on the plate. You are not a member of the "Clean Plate Club."