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The macrobiotic diet is part of an overall health and wellness philosophy
originating in the Far East. It is believed to help men and women achieve
a natural balance in their lives, allowing them to live longer and more actively.
The term macrobiotics was first used by the Ancient Greek philosopher
Hippocrates, and literally means "great life." Proponents of the macrobiotic
lifestyle emphasize consuming a simple and natural diet.
In the 1920s, the Japanese philosopher, George Ohsawa created
the first macrobiotic diet. In an attempt to cure himself of disease,
Ohsawa began consuming a strict diet, made up of brown rice, sea
vegetables, and water. Ohsawa soon believed that this diet helped to cure
him of his disease, and began creating ten different versions of his macrobiotic
diet, which focused on consumption of whole grains, low-fat foods,
and certain fruits and vegetables.
The Concept of Yin and Yang:
George Ohsawa’s macrobiotic diet is based on
the Japanese concept of yin and yang. This concept dictates that all parts
of life are governed by two oppositional forces, known as yin and yang.
In order to maintain a natural balance in life, these two forces must be kept
in balance, particularly through diet.
The macrobiotic diet focuses on eliminating foods that have large amounts
of either yin or yang in them, in favor of foods with more balanced levels
of these two forces. All foods are classified according to their taste and texture:
yin foods tend to be more sweet, while yang foods tend to be salty.
Followers are then asked to eat only those foods that have the greatest
balance of yin and yang.
What Foods Can You Eat on the Macrobiotic Diet?
The macrobiotic diet is
easy to follow once you know exactly what you are allowed to eat.
The diet divides daily intake into different food groups.
You should eat more of some of these food groups than others:
Whole Grains: make up between 50% and 60% of the macrobiotic diet.
These are believed to have the best balance of yin and yang levels
and include brown rice, barley, whole wheat, corn, and oats.
Vegetables: Raw and cooked vegetables comprise between 25% and 30%
of daily intake on the macrobiotic diet. You should eat vegetables like cabbage,
kale, collards, bok choy, and broccoli on a daily basis,
while eating mushrooms and celery a few times a week.
Beans and Sea Vegetables: Beans, like lentils and chickpeas,
and sea vegetables, like nori, can make up 5% to 10% of the macrobiotic diet.
Soups and Broths: Soups and broths that are bean or vegetable-based
can also make up 5% to 10% of your daily macrobiotic diet.
Additionally, the macrobiotic diet allows you to eat small quantities of seafood
several times a week, and also permits a few servings of nuts per week.
Moreover, the diet emphasizes the use of all natural foods
that are locally grown.
What Foods Should You Avoid on the Macrobiotic Diet?
Unfortunately, many
of those foods that you likely love are strictly forbidden on the macrobiotic diet.
This is because they are too high in either yin or yang properties,
and therefore will throw your natural balance off course.
In particular, you should try to stay away from:
*processed foods
*refined foods (like sugar and white flour)
*animal products, including red meat, poultry, dairy products, and cheese
*chocolate
*soda
*caffeinated products (especially coffee)
*tropical fruits
For more info, download Macrobiotic Diet, a free ebook.
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