Macrobiotic Diet

Macrobiotic Diet: At a Glance

The Macrobiotic diet has been around for hundreds of years, even though some regard it as ‘new age.’ Roughly translated from its Greek origins, the work ‘Macrobiotic’ means ‘long life,’ and the goal of the diet is to promote longevity.

There is no master website for the Macrobiotic diet, and various sites and books have popped up in recent years to promote the diet. The Kushi Institute website is an excellent place to find information, as it is the official website of Michio Kushi, who is a well-known Macrobiotic author and proponent. Another idea would be to purchase Kushi’s book, entitled “The Macrobiotic Way.” It is regarded as the authority on the macrobiotic movement.

Macrobiotic Diet: Facts

Many books and websites are devoted to the Macrobiotic diet, but the fact of the matter is that it is quite simple. About 50-60% of the diet consists of whole grains, with the rest being mostly vegetables, beans and fish, for those who are not vegetarians. Seeds, nuts, natural sweeteners and non-saturated oils are permissible in limited quantities. The Macrobiotic food pyramid can help one visualize the Macrobiotic diet more effectively. It shows grains (the largest quantity) at the bottom and meat (the smallest quantity) at the top.

The purpose of the Macrobiotic way of eating is to achieve a balance of the yin and yang in the diet. Advocates believe that yin foods (dairy, sugar, coffee, etc.) act to stimulate the body, while yang food cause stagnation. Eggs, meat and salt would fall into this category. While it is permissible to consume foods from both groups, the groups must be balanced for optimum health, and this can be accomplished by eating whole grains and vegetables. In order to get the full nutritional value, some recommend that food be chewed 50 to 100 times.

Exercise is advocated by the macrobiotic lifestyle, often in the form of yoga and in the use of meditation to help relieve stress and live mindfully.

Macrobiotic Diet: Positive Features

• The Macrobiotic diet may possibly reduce the risk of contracting certain illnesses and aid in the healing of others, especially cancer.
• Fresh, unprocessed and highly nutritious food form the foundation of this diet.
• It is not difficult to follow the diet and it does not cost much money either.
• Quite a bit of information can be found about the diet on the Internet.
• The diet is high in fiber and low in saturated fats.
• The Macrobiotic lifestyle is holistic and can uplift you spiritually.
• Many celebrities adhere to the Macrobiotic diet.
• Many cultures known for their longevity adhere to this diet.

Macrobiotic Diet: Negative Features

• Some nutritional deficiencies may occur as a result of this diet.
• Some regard this diet as ‘new age’ and on the fringe.
• Some major food groups, such as dairy, are not included in the diet.

Macrobiotic Diet: Conclusion

While the Macrobiotic diet is quite restrictive, with some modifications it can fit seamlessly into a modern, hectic lifestyle. Once familiar with the principles of the diets, one can decide how religiously they want to adhere to it. Some of the basics of this diet would be quite beneficial for most people, even merely consuming more whole grains and vegetables and becoming a bit more mindful and meditative. Before embarking on this or any diet that is fairly restrictive, it is wise to consult with a physician and perhaps use vitamin supplements.