Lynn Keegan writes in her book "Healing Nutrition" that the macrobiotic diet is about choosing foods in harmony with nature based on individual needs. The macrobiotic diet philosophy is also based on eating foods that are fresh, locally grown without pesticides and in season. So a diet plan for the fall means choosing foods that are currently being harvested.
History
The history of macrobiotics is based on ancient scriptures and teachings, writes Renée Loux in her book "The Balanced Plate: The Essential Elements of Whole Foods and Good Health." The word macrobiotic has been used by many philosophers and it means living in accordance with nature along with eating a simple, balanced diet to live a long life. The root of macrobiotics is balance, and it is based on teachings of Taoism and Buddhism.
Principles
Loux writes that the macrobiotic diet is based on fundamental principles for good health. A founding principle is that food is the basis for good health and long life. It is also important to eat local, fresh and in season vegetables grown without pesticides. Sodium and potassium are valuable components in a macrobiotic diet and help provide balance. There is also the belief that within each body is opposing and complementary forces, or yin and yang, and these forces need to be balanced by eating proper foods.
Guidelines
The standard macrobiotic diet consists of 50 percent grains, 25 percent vegetables, 5 to 10 percent beans and sea vegetables and 5 percent soups. For the fall season, choose fresh produce from your local health food store or better yet, farmer's market. In her book "Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House" Cheryl Mendelson writes that pumpkins, all types of squash, Brussels sprouts and rutabagas are vegetables to choose for fall cooking.
Specifics
Michio Kushi gives suggestions of macrobiotic menus in his book "Diet for a Strong Heart." As weather begins to cool in autumn, making warm soups with seasonal vegetables such as butternut squash fits into the macrobiotic philosophy. Since the diet is half based on whole grains, cooking up brown or wild rice is a healthy complement. Barley soup with pureed fresh vegetables is another option. It is suggested to cook your grains with sea salt and seaweeds, to attain the healthy sodium intake.
Warning
The macrobiotic diet is not meant to cure or treat any disease or illness. You may want to check with your health care physician to make sure the diet is right for you. It is important to make diet changes slowly and to eat three healthy meals a day. Drastic changes to a diet plan often do not work, so pace yourself and implement steps to making your diet healthier.
References
- "Healing Nutrition"; Lynn Keegan; 2001
- "The Balanced Plate: The Essential Elements of Whole Foods and Good Health"; Renée Loux; 2006
- "Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House"; Cheryl Mendelson; 2005
- "Diet for a Strong Heart"; Michio Kushi; 2003
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