Macrobiotic Diet
Macrobiotic Diet
A macrobiotic diet encourages people to eat locally grown and organic whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, seaweed, and soy products. Meals are combined based on the principles of yin and yang. Grains are emphasized (especially brown rice). Vegetables make a diet more alkaline (which is achieved when you chew your foods well).
Extremely Yin foods are very sweet foods, or dairy products. Extremely Yang foods would be very salt, red meats, and coffee. None of the extreme foods should be consumed.
The Yin and Yang is determine by a number of things including: acidity, location where the food is grown (root vs. trees), locality of food (country), color, shape, flavor and moisture content.
Grains and vegetables are not classified as strong in either yin or yang and are neutral foods - which are the foundation of a macrobiotic diet. These types of foods make it simpler to maintain a dietary balance.
The macrobiotic diet indicates that food and food quality affects us more than we think. Food can affect our happiness and health. The diet claims you should select foods that are less processed, more natural and uses more traditional cooking methods.
Doctors and philosophers associate macrobiotics with living "in harmony with nature" with eating a simple and balanced diet.
Macrobiotics was formed modernly in the 1920s by George Ohsawa. He believed that simply by changing his diet, he was able to cure himself from a serious disease. Ohsawa believed in Yin and Yang. The macrobiotic diet keeps the yin and yang balanced for good health.
The macrobiotic diet includes only organic foods. Whole grains are the best and thought to be the most balanced. They make up about 50-60 percent of the diet. Fresh vegetables make up 25-30 percent of the diet. The main vegetables in the diet include: broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collards, turnips, mustard greens, turnip greens, radish, onion, butternut squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin. Other vegetables can be included 2-3 times per week such as: iceberg lettuce, celery, snow peas, mushrooms, and string beans. Vegetables should be lightly steamed or sautéed with corn or sesame oil.
Sea vegetables and beans make up 5-10 percent and should be included. These are rich in vitamins and minerals. The recommended beans are: chickpeas, adzuki beans, tofu, and lentils.
Soups and broths make up 5-10 percent of the diet. There are other stipulations such as what types of sweeteners are acceptable, liquids to consume and more.
Foods to be avoided are eggs, dairy products, chocolate, refined sugars, tropical fruits, coffee, fruit juices, soda, and hot spices, as well as anything with artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
The macrobiotic diet is more than just a diet -- it is a way of life. It is simple and close to nature.
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