The macrobiotic diet is a strict eating plan and philosophy that recommends eating a balanced diet of low-fat, plant-based foods. Animal foods, such as meat and dairy, are not recommended in macrobiotics. Michio Kushi, the diet's creator, claimed that following the diet can reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses. Kosher diets conform to strict Jewish laws and require certain standards of food growth and preparation. Many of the same foods are acceptable in both macrobiotic and kosher diets. Although both diets focus on healthy foods, science has not proven the claims of the macrobiotic diet and you should always check with your doctor before beginning any extremely restrictive eating plan.
Vegetables
Vegetables are approved on both the macrobiotic and kosher diets. All fresh, raw vegetables are kosher, but may become non-kosher when canned or frozen. The macrobiotic diet recommends eating vegetables at every meal, especially green leafy, root and round vegetables. Examples of vegetables you should eat include kale, turnips, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, onions and sea vegetables such as wakame, nori and kombu. Vegetables to avoid on a macrobiotic diet include artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beets, eggplant, fennel, green or red peppers, spinach, okra, potatoes, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, tomatoes and yams.
Protein Sources
Beans provide the primary source of protein in a macrobiotic diet because meat is limited. When purchasing canned beans, look for the kosher label. You can eat adzuki beans, chickpeas, green or brown lentils and black soybeans every day. On the macrobiotic diet, eat black, lima, kidney, navy and pinto beans, split peas, tofu and soybeans only two or three times a week. Fish is also allowed on macrobiotic diets, but not all types of fish are kosher (see References for a detailed listing). If you are especially concerned about keeping kosher, buy fish only from a kosher fish store, because fish is sometimes mislabeled in mainstream markets.
Grains
You may also eat grains on a kosher and macrobiotic diet. Whole grains such as brown rice, spelt, barley, oats, rye, millet and wheat berries may be eaten frequently. Eat quinoa, a sweet brown rice called mochi, couscous, amaranth and wheat flakes less frequently, up to two or three times weekly. You may also eat pasta and bread made from wheat flour two or three times weekly. Always look for the kosher label on any packaged foods.
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