Names Of The Foods For The Macrobotic Diet

George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher, began teaching the philosophy of macrobiotics in the 1930's. In the 1960's this philosophy arrived in US, and remains a popular dietary concept today. This diet follows a high complex carbohydrate, low fat eating style, that is shown to lower both blood pressure and lipid levels. The general dietary guidelines encourage using organic grains, produce, beans and fish.

Whole Cereal Grains

Whole cereal grains make up 50 to 60 percent of each meal. These include brown rice, millet, barley, pearl barley, and corn on the cob. Whole-wheat berries, whole oats, rye, and buckwheat are other whole cereal grains. Occasionally you can use cracked and flaked grain. These include rolled oats, bulgur, quinoa, and cornmeal. Use flour products such as unyeasted bread, whole-wheat noodles, and homemade pancakes sparingly.

Vegetables

Wide varieties of organic vegetables make up 25 to 30 percent of each meal.Vegetables are steamed, baked, boiled or sauteed. Green leafy vegetables such as carrot tops, kale, dandelion greens, and daikon greens are used often. Other vegetables you can use often include squash, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, and radishes. Occasionally you can enjoy celery, chives, snap beans, and snow peas.You can also enjoy small portions of pickles and green salads.

Whole Beans

Whole beans make up five to 10 percent of one of your meals. These include Azuki beans, chickpeas, green or brown lentils and black soybeans. Occasionally you can use whole dried peas, navy beans, and pinto beans.

Sea Vegetables

Serve in small quantities daily, typically as a soup. Wakame, dulse,kombu, and Irish Moss are used in soups. Side dishes include hiziki, mekabu and Sea Palm. In the June 1999 issue of "Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición," researchers at the University of Madrid, Spain concluded that edible seaweed was a low calorie, mineral dense food that offered a type of fiber that is not found in other vegetation.

Occasional Foods

Once or twice each week, you can include a small amount of fresh fish, such as Flounder, Haddock or Sole. Enjoy roasted nuts and seeds as snacks in small amounts. Permitted seeds are pumpkin, sesame and sunflower. Occasional consumption of almonds, pecans, and walnuts is allowed. Sweeteners can be used sparingly. These include apple juice, grape juice, and pure maple syrup.