A macrobiotic diet focuses on a holistic approach to health and well-being. "Macrobiotics" translates into the Greek for "great" ("macro") "life" ("bios"). The diet focuses on achieving harmony between yin and yang foods. Many people follow this holistic diet to improve or cure many medical conditions, and a 2001 study by the American Society for Nutritional Sciences suggests the diet helps in cancer recovery. Macrobiotics has been traced back to the 1920s, when it was started by Japanese educator George Ohsawa.
Step 1
Research your diet. You may need to purchase special cookbooks or see a holistic practitioner who specializes in macrobiotics. The diet should generally be as follows: 50 to 60 percent whole grains, 25 to 30 percent vegetables, five to 10 percent miso and bean soups, and five to 10 percent beans and sea vegetables (see Resources).
Step 2
Shop for your food supplies and keep them organized so that it is easier to prepare meals. Label your grains in their own containers, organize refrigerated items and keep all of your seaweeds together. Organize your cooking supplies for easy access as well.
Step 3
Keep a journal to record what you are eating and how you are feeling. Use the journal to plan your meals out ahead of time, ensuring you are eating a healthy balanced diet throughout the day or week. Monitor your symptoms and any progress you are making. Improvement is not expected to happen overnight.
Step 4
Speak to a macrobiotic counselor about possible macrobiotic remedies. Macrobiotic remedies can help remedy the damage caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and diet (see Resources). Purchase a book on remedies, but always verify the accuracy with the counselor before using.
Step 5
Plan to eat at home to reduce temptation and to avoid the frustration of finding something that is safe to eat at a restaurant. Keep a to-go bag packed if you are going to be with friends or is something comes up last minute and you want to avoid reaching for junk food.
Step 6
Allow yourself a treat as a reward every once in awhile. Just don't overdo your indulgence, pushing yourself back to square one in the diet.
Tips and Warnings
- Incorporate other healthy habits into your lifestyle, such as joining a yoga or tai chi class. Take up meditation to promote calmness and clarity. Meditation focuses on slowing down, which can be a healthy step to take in this fast-paced society. Keep an "out with the bad and in with the good" mindset while shopping and cleaning out your cabinets. Clearing out unhealthy foods will help prevent future temptations.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grains
- Vegetables
- Miso and bean soups
- Beans
- Sea vegetables
- Journal
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