The yin yang diet or, the macrobiotic diet, is a way of eating as well as a philosophy or way of life that originates from Japan, states Dietspotlight.com. It is based on the Asian concept of balance by two opposing yet interdependent natural forces named yin and yang that exist within human beings. If yin and yang fall out of balance with each other, the body will get sick and develop disease.
Principles
The yin yang or macrobiotic diet relies on two basic principles. First, unprocessed foods are to be the primary food type in your diet. Secondly, foods designated as being extremely yin or yang are excluded, according to Dietsinreview.com. Individuals who practice this diet believe that natural whole foods are the best for the body to maintain yin-yang balance; consequently, by following the yin yang diet you will be healthier, your body will be better able to prevent disease and illness, and you will live longer, explains Dietspotlight.com.
Food Types
This diet is high in natural, unprocessed foods, complex carbohydrates and vegetables. Animal products including meat, cheese and eggs are avoided, notes Dietspotlight.com. Foods that are cold, passive, and sweet are defined as very yin foods, so ice cream and cookies would be excluded from your diet, according to Dietsinreview.com. Yang foods are defined as hot, salty and aggressive, so hot spicy food and snacks like salty potato chips would be strictly excluded from your diet.
Preparation and Proportions
Food should be organically grown and eaten fresh; you'll eat natural foods that do not have any man-made additives or unnatural toxins, states Dietsinreview.com. This diet also dictates how and when you prepare food, with simple and lighter foods being cooked in the spring and summer, and more complex, heavy foods prepared in the fall and winter, points out Dietspotlight.com. Basically, the diet contains: 50 percent whole grains; 25 percent seasonal vegetables, cooked or raw; 10 percent protein foods such as fish or legumes; and, 5 percent each of sea vegetables, soups, fruits, and nuts or seeds, specifies Everydiet.org. Also, microwaves are not to be used in preparing food.
Pros and Cons
This diet is low in processed foods, saturated fats or red meat, and encourages eating natural toxin-free, organic foods that are high in fiber with lots of vegetables, states Dietspotlight.com. The negatives are that organic food is more expensive, with longer food preparation time. Another con is that only meat in the forms of fish and seafood are allowed, and it may be too restrictive for many individuals, notes Dietsinreview.com.
Member Comments