The current Macrobiotic diet plan is based in Japan and was formed by George Ohsawa. His vision was continued throughout the United States by his student, Michio Kushi, the current leading expert on the Macrobiotic diet. This method of eating is based on Taoism, of the idea of yin and yang and finding a balance in the foods you eat. Consult with a physician before beginning any new diet plan.
Diet Details
The Macrobiotic diet emphasizes foods high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, while limiting the amount of fat you consume. On the Macrobiotic diet, there is some flexibility. Factors such as your health and where you live can change the diet, making it personalized. This diet emphasizes eating organic, locally-grown, seasonal produce and promotes natural foods over processed ones. The diet recommends consuming 40 to 60 percent whole grains such as oats and wheat, 20 to 30 percent vegetables and 5 to 10 percent beans. Consume seafood, nuts, seeds and fruit less often. The diet suggests staying away from meat and other animal products like dairy and eggs, as well as sugar and additives.
Lifestyle
The Macrobiotic diet is more than just an eating plan; it is a holistic plan focusing on everything that affects your health. It emphasizes your mental and emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. For this reason, the diet focuses on lifestyle changes instead of only eating changes. It focuses on exercise, your culture, your behaviors and thought processes, as well as your level of consciousness.
Benefits
While it has long been touted as a cancer-preventing diet, not all experts agree that this diet fights cancer and more research is needed. The "Journal of Nutrition" comments that even if the diet does not prevent cancer, other aspects of the lifestyle could, because it emphasizes reducing stress, avoiding chemicals and additives, and engaging in exercise. Besides cancer, the Kushi Institute claims that the Macrobiotic diet improves numerous diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, digestive concerns and arthritis. It also lowers high blood pressure and serum lipid levels, making it a possible solution for cardiovascular disease.
Considerations
There are some concerns associated with this diet. Since it advocates a vegetarian lifestyle, it could lead to deficiencies in iron, vitamin D and vitamin B-12. Also, some people might not agree with the religious background and spiritual aspects of the Macrobiotic diet. However, the diet does not require changing your beliefs, but tries to work with them for a personalized experience.
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