Macrobiotic Healing Diet

If you're looking to simplify your meal plan and get back to basics, the macrobiotic diet may help. A macrobiotic diet focuses on natural, in-season fruits, vegetables, whole grains and mostly non-animal based proteins to purify the body. Consult a doctor before switching to a macrobiotic diet or making any other changes in your diet regimen.

History

The principles of the macrobiotic diet were created by Japanese army physician Sagen Ishizuka in the late 1800s, according to macrobiotic diet website Macrobiotics.co.uk in the article "The History of Macrobiotics." George Ohsawa, a Japanese man who studied with several of Ishizuka's students, brought the principles of the macrobiotic diet to the United States and began using the word "macrobiotic." In 1985, Michio Kushi wrote the book "Macrobiotic Diet" based on the teachings of Ohsawa.

Function

The macrobiotic diet consists of approximately 5 percent seeds, fruit and nuts; 5 percent seaweed and other sea vegetables; 5 percent soups like miso soup; 10 percent fish, beans or legumes; 25 percent in-season vegetables, either raw or cooked; and 50 percent whole grains, like brown rice. You are advised to eat foods that are organic or grown locally.

Lifestyle Changes

In his book "Macrobiotic Diet," Michio Kushi notes that the macrobiotic diet plan should be not simply an eating plan, but a way of life. For example, Kushi recommends chewing every bite at least 50 times before swallowing. Eat while sitting up straight at the table and express gratitude for what you are eating before beginning your meal. Eat only when you are very hungry, but stop eating when you are satisfied. It is not necessary to continue eating until you are full or stuffed, but only until you are satiated.

Foods Not Allowed

Foods that do not fit into the macrobiotic diet plan include dairy products, processed foods, coffee, sugar, alcohol, honey, chocolate, spices, pineapple, mango, grapefruit, eggs and all meat besides fish. These foods are avoided because they are generally strong flavored, very acidic or basic foods that do not fit in with the traditional yin and yang properties of the macrobiotic diet. Most recommended foods in the macrobiotic diet, like brown rice and vegetables, are bland foods that are purported to keep the body balanced.

Expert Insight

According to the University of California, San Diego Medical Center website, the macrobiotic diet may be an effective tool in cancer prevention, but should only be used as an adjunct to conventional treatment for cancer patients. The macrobiotic lifestyle, which involves slowing down and stopping to enjoy your food while you eat it, may help reduce stress, which may be beneficial for patients with cancer. However, in some cases, the lack of meat in the macrobiotic diet may be detrimental, particularly if a patient is frail and weak.