Articles: Weight Loss

What is the macrobiotic diet? It received its name from George Ohsawa. Macrobiotic means, "way of long life," and coincides with living according to the yin and the yang. With this philosophy the foods that people eat, while eating a macrobiotic diet, help keep those individuals in balance. For example, if you live in a hot climate, cooling foods should be eaten. If you live in a cold climate, heating foods should be eaten.


George Ohsawa outlined ten stages to the macrobiotic diet, where each stage becomes more restrictive. The highest level of the diet is nutritionally inadequate, and has actually resulted is several deaths. Michio Kushi redefined the macrobiotic diet, and that is the diet that is now known in the United States.


Why Follow the Macrobiotic Diet?

Those interested in the macrobiotic diet are also interested in a healthy way of eating that is good for the mind, body, and soul. This diet is low in fat and high in fiber. For this reason, it can be recommended for people with cancer and other chronic diseases. If you are interested in the macrobiotic diet, you should consult your health care professional.


This diet puts an emphasis on foods that tend to be lacking in the North American diet. It is low in saturated fat. This is very appealing, because saturated fat in the diet has been linked to cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The macrobiotic diet is also high in phytoestrogens, which may help to balance female hormones. This has the possibility to help with premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and help prevent against breast cancer and endometriosis.


What Can I Eat on the Macrobiotic Diet?

The typical macrobiotic diet is similar to a vegan diet in that it avoids many foods such as meat, poultry, animal fats, eggs, dairy products, refined sugar, as well as foods containing any chemical additives. It is also recommended that all foods consumed be organically grown and minimally processed. The difference from the vegan diet is that fish is sometimes consumed on the macrobiotic diet.


When eating a macrobiotic diet, you should consume the following:

� 40%- 60% of your daily diet should be Whole Cereal Grains

� 5%- 10% of your daily diet should be Beans and Sea Vegetables

� 20%- 30% of your daily diet should be Vegetables (Raw or Pickled)

� Soups should be made with vegetables, sea vegetables, grains, or beans

� Fruit, White Fish, Seeds, and Nuts may be eaten on occasion

� Beverage consumption should be spring water, or good quality well water, without ice and any tea may be consumed that does not have an aromatic fragrance or stimulating effect


Talk to Your Health Care Professional

The macrobiotic diet is considered to be too restrictive by some nutritionists. Long term use of the macrobiotic diet will result in essential nutrients being depleted such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It is important to consult a health care professional if you are interested in the macrobiotic diet.