MACROBIOTIC
Full Name: The term macrobiotic is derived from the Greek words ‘macro’ and ‘bios’, meaning ‘long life’. The Macrobiotic Diet was brought to Europe by George Ohsawa, a Japanese philosopher and educator, who formalized the macrobiotic teachings into a structured diet philosophy. Macrobiotics is based on ancient ways of eating in harmony with one’s environment. The principle of the Macrobiotic Diet is to live in a state of harmony with nature, eat a balanced diet, and to consequently live to a healthy old age. This diet eliminates meat and is therefore a vegetarian diet. The diet does not emphasize weight loss as much as it does eating in harmony and balance with nature.
Foods Emphasized: Grains and vegetables, natural and locally-grown foods
Foods Discouraged: Animal products, processed foods, and refined sugars
Premise and Guidelines: Macrobiotics as a formal regimen was developed by George Ohsawa. Based on the ancient Chinese concepts of yin and yang, the opposing forces of life, Ohsawa identifies all foods as being either yin or yang according to their taste, properties and effects on the body. Macrobiotic foods include locally and organically grown foods, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain cereals, pulses (legumes), seaweed and fermented soy products which should be combined to create balanced meals. Grains are a significant part of this diet, especially brown rice, which has a good balance of yin and yang properties when chewed thoroughly. Vegetables bring an alkaline aspect to the meals. Any extreme yin or yang foods are discouraged and should not be consumed often (high yin= sweet foods, dairy products and high yang= salty foods, red meats. The yin and yang properties of food can be determined by several properties: the acidity of the food, where the food grows (earth-based vs. tree-based), and location where the food grows naturally.
The majority of your meals should consist of neutral foods that do not cause extreme reactions within the body, according to Ohsawa. Predominantly eating these foods helps the body thrive within the natural order - meaning only eating the foods that are necessary for one's particular condition.
The standard food ratios for the this diet are: whole grains (50-60%), fresh vegetables (20-30%), beans and sea vegetables (5-10%), soups and broths (5-10%) along with a few weekly amounts of seeds, nuts, and fresh fish. Drinking fluids is to be determined by thirst only and not for the purpose of reaching a quota. Macrobiotic principle can also determine how to prepare your food and at what times you should eat. Microwaves should be avoided, and chewing food well is a must for proper digestion.
Oshawa claims that he was cured of serious illness himself, by following this diet. There have been numerous claims of cancer and other disease reversal of adherents to this diet, but the claims are mostly unsubstantiated. However, the emphasis on natural, unprocessed foods and low saturated fats are anything but detrimental. The Macrobiotic diet is tedious and restrictive, requiring willpower and attention to detail, which is why it may be a difficult diet to follow. Critics of this diet are concerned that it is not nutritionally sufficient (calcium and iron) and may be unsuitable for growing children and lactating women. If rice, soup and vegetables sound like relaxing and comforting food choices, the macrobiotic could be a great balance to your current eating patterns. - The key is to strive for balance and happiness in your daily life and to live in harmony with nature and its physical surroundings.