Traditional macrobiotics combines strict diet and lifestyle components that you may find difficult to follow if you're used to eating a Western diet. Verne Varona, author of "Macrobiotics for Dummies," teaches dieters an easier way to follow the macrobiotic diet, by focusing on healthy food choices and reducing calories. Today, you can benefit from a modified macrobiotic diet, while minimizing the fuss and health risks. Visit with your doctor before starting any new diet program.
The Challenge of Traditional Macrobiotics
Traditional macrobiotics allowed dieters to eat only sea vegetables, miso soup and brown rice. Developed in the 1920s by a Japanese healer, macrobiotics embraced a minimalist way of life and food selection, originally intended to heal patients of chronic disease, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition." But, the diet was hard to follow and in the years since its inception, the macrobiotic diet has undergone many modifications, making it easier to follow.
Local/Organic Foods
One of the tenets of the macrobiotic diet relies upon eating foods grown in your vicinity. In today's world of imported products and food preservatives, the items on your grocer's shelves may come from far away. During harvest season, local foods are abundant at roadside farmer's markets and small grocers may sell these items. Buy locally grown foods as often as possible and look for produce grown organically.
Macrobiotic foods are toxin free, high in fiber, low in fat and much of the diet consists of whole grains and vegetables. Red meat and dairy products are discouraged, but small amounts of fish are allowed, according to Diets in Review. Unless you live near a local source of fresh fish or seafood, most of your protein will come in the form of beans or soy.
Macrobiotic Dieting Guidelines
The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" suggests easy guidelines for macrobiotic dieters, including chewing every mouthful of food at least 50 times, eating only two or three small meals per day and not eating within three hours of bedtime.
Food Preparation
Macrobiotic dieters cook on gas or propane stoves, but avoid electric stoves and microwaves. Cast iron cookware, clayware and stainless steel are allowed in food preparation. Boil foods, such as soups and stews, but avoid baking or any type of dry cooking.
Additional Macrobiotic Tips
Good health is the goal of macrobiotics, but it doesn't stop with food choices. The "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" advises dieters to use only organic cosmetics and household products and fill their homes with living green plants to improve air quality. Other macrobiotic ideas include exercising at least 30 minutes a day, turning off the TV and meditating.
Risks
While a macrobiotic diet may help shed extra pounds, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," it can also present some health risks if local foods don't contain all the nutrients you need. Macrobiotic diets can be low in Vitamins C and B-12, calcium, beta-carotene and antioxidants. In addition, the diet may not provide adequate nutrients for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Every Diet: Easy Macrobiotic Diet
- Diets in Review: Macrobiotic Diet
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