Macrobiotic Diet
The Macrobiotic Diet has been growing in popularity over the last couple of decades in the United States. The word Macrobiotic comes from Greek meaning long life. For many that practice the Macrobiotic Diet, it is not only about eating healthy, but this diet also meshes with spirituality and planetary health.
The Macrobiotic Diet was developed in Japan by George Ohsawa, he believed a diet should be as simple as possible. There are 10 stages of the diet, however as the diet increases in stage, it also becomes more restrictive. For instance, the 10th and final stage includes a diet of only water and brown rice.
Guidelines of the Macrobiotic Diet
For the most part the Macrobiotic Diet is a high fiber, low fat diet that has many of the attributes of other diets. While mainly a vegetarian diet, the Macrobiotic Diet does allow fish.
Typically speaking, whole grains make up a large percentage of the Macrobiotic Diet with about 50% or more found in each meal. Whole grains include brown rice barley, buckwheat, corn and rye. As far as other grains are concerned, baked goods, pasta and noodles are allowed occasionally.
The Macrobiotic Diet also encourages a person to consume one to two bowls of soup per day. The most popular soups are either Miso or Shoyu. These soups are made from soybeans.
Vegetables are another type of food that should be consumed on the Macrobiotic Diet. Generally speaking vegetables should make up about 25% to 35% of food consumed daily.
Beans are also another food item that is consumed on this diet and they should consist of about 10% of the food one consumes daily
Other foods that can be eaten are seeds and nuts, fruit, sesame oil and deserts are permitted within reason. Foods generally to be avoided include meat & dairy products such as eggs, most types of milk and beef and poultry.
The Macrobiotic Diet offers dieters a healthier menu of food to consume- especially if you live in the West. While there is a choice of many different types of healthy foods that can be consumed on this diet, there are some types of food that are avoided including foods that are high in protein, potassium and iron. For people that have specific health conditions, this diet should be avoided. As always, consult with your physician before starting a new diet program.
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