A Complete Macrobiotic Diet

Popularized in the 1960s by Beatles' singer, John Lennon, and his wife, Yoko Ono, the macrobiotic diet became a symbol of the counter-culture movement. This Asian-inspired diet requires commitment and perseverance, because it severely restricts the foods you can eat and it includes a complete philosophical approach to dieting. A macrobiotic diet may not provide all the nutrients you need, so talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your current diet.

History

Developed early in the 20th century by a Japanese healer to fight illness, the original macrobiotic diet consisted of only three foods: brown rice, miso soup and water. Expanding on the original diet, George Ohsawa published "Zen Macrobiotics" in 1960. Today, a complete macrobiotic diet includes the philosophy of eating only foods produced in your geographic region as well as selecting foods that complement the seasons and your body's changing needs.

Asian Philosophy

A complete macrobiotic diet considers the Yin and Yang factor inherent in all foods, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition." Yin represents the female aspect and includes foods that are cooling and soothing. Alternately, foods that are warming and spicy are often associated with the male aspect, or Yang. In macrobiotics, Yin and Yang must balance for optimal health. This is a complicated diet aspect, however, since Yin and Yang fluctuate constantly, due to other factors such as the weather, seasons, your current health or the time of day.

Regional Foods

On a complete macrobiotic diet, only foods that come from the dieter's immediate geographical region are eaten. Dieters who live near a body of water may consume a diet that includes shrimp, seafood, salmon and other fish, while a dieter living in a farming community may eat mostly vegetarian fare such as barley, millet, rye and other whole grains and vegetables. Macrobiotic dieters do not consume foods that grow in other parts of the world and are then shipped to local grocery stores.

Exclusions

Even if produced in your area, some foods are discouraged on a complete macrobiotic diet, including red meat and foods grown with the benefit of chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Other foods to avoid include soda pop, bottled drinks, processed foods, sugar and any foods that include preservatives and additives.

Preparation and Eating

Baking in an electric oven is out on a complete macrobiotic diet, but you may prepare foods over an open flame such as a gas stove. Approved cooking vessels include cast iron, stainless steel and glass. Microwaving is also out, but you may cook in a pressure cooker.

Eating is relaxed on a complete macrobiotic diet; you will not eat when you are nervous or anxious. Dieters chew every mouthful slowly and thoroughly to encourage digestion.

Criticisms

Following a complete macrobiotic diet may be difficult for some due to numerous food restrictions. This diet also may result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies, according to EveryDiet.org. Malnutrition is a concern, especially for infants. According to a 1990 study, conducted by the Department of Human Nutrition at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, infants on a macrobiotic diet are at an increased risk of developing rickets from a lack adequate calcium. More testing is necessary to confirm these findings.