Macrobiotic Diet

Macrobiotics is a philosophy of life centered around a diet originally brought to this country from Japan by George Ohsawa. His work in macrobiotics helped it gain popularity in the US and today macrobiotic diets have been adopted by many people around the world.
The diet consists almost exclisively of cooked foods. as raw foods a re felt to be difficult to digest and too cooling for the system. A minimum of fruits is consumed, less than 5% of the diet, and most of those should be cooked. Dairy foods and eggs are usually avoided. The only animal products recommended are such whitefish as halibut, trout, and sole and these are also kept to less than 5% of the diet. It is primarily a vegetarian, almost vegan, diet, but it seem to contain more protein and nutrients than a standard vegetarian diet.

The macrobiotics diet includes between 50% and 60% whole cereal grains, such as brown rice, whole oats, millet, barley, corn, wheat berries, rye, and buckweat. Flour products and baked goodies are avoided, and pastas and bread are eaten only occasionally.

Vegetables make up about 20% to 25% of the meal.

Here is thelist of foods you should eat and avoid with while on macrobiotic diet:

Include:

  • Cooked whole grains
  • Cooked vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Soybean products
  • Cooked beans
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Sea vegetables
  • Soups
  • Bancha twig tea
  • Whitefish (less than 5%)
  • Cooked fruit (less than 5%)
  • Avoid:

  • Meats
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Dairy products
  • Sugar
  • Nightshade vegetables
  • Yams and sweet potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Avocado
  • Fruit juices
  • Baked goods
  • Overall, these are basic and wholesome foods, but the macrobiotic diet is somewhat controversial. There is limited research on macrobiotic eating, but a few studies available point to possible problems with vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency. On the positive side, though, this diet is considered to have a nice overall balance. It provides a lot of vitamins and minerals and is good in complex carbohidrates and fiber. The protein content is adequate, and the fat content is low.

    Although much has been written about the theory that macrobiotic diet can help cure many diseases, including cancer, there is limited evidence in this area.

    Overall, this is a good diet that provides some sound, wholesome information. 

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