1. Pick Organic or Natural
25% to 30% of a macrobiotic diet is composed of vegetables. To meet this requirement, pick vegetables that are organic or natural. Choosing organic foods supports your diet and discourages the use of pesticides. When you pick organic vegetables, you will notice they are smaller, not as shiny as and less symmetrical than conventional grocery store vegetables. By choosing organic vegetables, you ingest fewer chemicals and get more nutrients.
2. Pick Your Own
The best way to ensure that you are getting organic vegetables for your macrobiotic recipes is to pick them from your own garden. Growing your own also means that you are eating vegetables in season, which helps your body stay in tune with your environment. You can start growing the "easy" vegetables like lettuce, spinach and turnips, which are among the basics of a macrobiotic diet.
3. Support Your Local Farmer
Buy vegetables from your local farmer's market. You'll be supporting local farmers and getting the freshest produce possible. Roadside stands, pick-your-owns and farmer's markets are available in most parts of the country; just make sure the vegetables were grown organically or as naturally as possible so your macrobiotic recipes are healthy and safe.
4. Pick Root, Ground and Leafy Greens
Macrobiotics categorize vegetables into three categories: root, ground or leafy green vegetables. Root vegetables grow beneath the ground, take longer to cook and can be stored for long periods. Carrots, turnips, parsnips and rutabagas all belong to this group. In one form or another, root vegetables are available from spring to fall; since they store well, they will keep through the winter, too. Leafy greens include spinach, kale, lettuce, chard and mustard greens. Pick the darkest greens for the highest nutrient content. Ground vegetables grow above ground, are round, have stems and climb like pole beans. Some of the most popular vegetables are in this group, including broccoli, asparagus, onions and beans.
5. Pick from the Sea
Sea vegetables are getting easier to find. Asian markets are a good source for them, but it is more difficult to find organic sea vegetables at these markets. Most organic food stores have organic sea vegetables and will probably offer the most variety. Agar, dulse, nori and kombu are some sea vegetables you can obtain for your macrobiotic diet.
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