Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa developed the modern macrobiotic diet as a way to incorporate Buddhist philosophy, traditional Asian medicine, Christianity and modern Western medicine into a system of healthy eating. Most dieters who follow a macrobiotic diet choose this type of eating plan because it fits with their philosophy about food and lifestyle. The foods in a macrobiotic diet are generally healthy, but specific health claims about macrobiotic eating remain unproven.
Basic Concepts
A macrobiotic diet follows a whole-foods philosophy that involves balancing the yin and yang properties of foods as defined by ancient Asian tradition. Foods with strong yin properties, such as coffee, highly spiced foods, refined sugars, sodas and tropical fruit, are avoided. Foods with strong yang attributes, such as meat, eggs and dairy products, are also eliminated from a macrobiotic diet. Macrobiotic dieters aim for "mild" yin and yang foods -- representing a balance of their "cooling" or "warming" properties.
Allowed Foods
Because grains and vegetables have mild yin and yang properties, these foods are considered the main basis for the macrobiotic diet. Whole grains, such as millet, whole wheat, barley, oats and brown rice, make up 50 to 60 percent of the diet. Another 25 to 30 percent of the diet comes from vegetables, especially broccoli, bok choy, collard greens, cabbage, mustard greens, turnips, onion, turnip greens, daikon radish, acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkin, kale and cauliflower. Beans and sea vegetables make up 10 percent of the diet and another 10 percent consists of soups and broths. Nuts, seeds and fresh fish are also included occasionally in the diet.
Other Principles
Individuals following a macrobiotic diet usually view their food choices as part of a lifestyle, not merely a diet. Everything surrounding food preparation and eating is done in a holistic manner, including avoiding the use of microwave ovens and keeping food preparation areas clean and orderly. Also included in the tenets of macrobiotic eating are recommendations to practice good posture while eating and to chew food slowly and thoroughly.
Considerations
Some people claim that a macrobiotic diet can help treat or prevent numerous health conditions, including cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that no scientific studies support these claims. However, a macrobiotic diet tends to be high in healthy foods, such as vegetables and whole grains, while being low in unhealthy foods such as refined sugars and saturated fats, so using macrobiotic principles to guide food choices can be a nutritious way to eat.
Member Comments