Macrobiotic diet holistic basics
George Ohsawa was the founder of the Macrobiotic diet and philosophy. The Macrobiotic philosophy is based on the concept of Yin and Yang energies – they must be kept in balance for your body to be healthy.
The Macrobiotic diet is recommended for helping you achieve harmony between yin and yang energies in your body. The diet does not focus only on your physical well-being, but also deals with the spiritual and planetary aspects of your health.
It is considered that Yin represents expansion, Yang – contraction; Yin is cold, Yang is hot; Yin is sweet, Yang is salty; Yin is passive, Yang is aggressive.
Macrobiotic diet recommendations
Food quality affects your health, well being and happiness. The macrobiotic healthy diet plan recommends eating more natural foods, which are of high quality, less processed and without any food additives. Your foods must be balanced Yin-Yang foods.
If you combine and prepare the Yin-Yang products more traditionally, it will be easier for you to achieve balance between Yin and Yang energies in your body. It is not recommended for you to eat only yin foods (such as sweets or dairy) or yang (such as salty foods and red meat).
Macrobiotic diet foods – balanced Yin-Yang foods
The foods that are considered as balanced Yin-Yang foods are whole grain food, cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits, seaweed, and soy products.
Macrobiotic diet pros
The Macrobiotic diet promotes living healthily – eating only what is necessary for you to maintain balanced state of your body and mind.
It is a low in fat and high in fiber diet, with plenty of vegetables and whole grains in the menu, which is great even for vegetarians.
The Macrobiotic diet is believed to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Macrobiotic diet cons
It is a quite restrictive diet, because of the limited number of foods allowed.
During macrobiotic dieting a deficit may occur in proteins, some vitamins and minerals – vitamin B12, calcium or iron. As a result your energy levels can drop. Microbiotic diet is not recommended for children and pregnant or lactating women.
You should consult your doctor before starting the diet.
The Macrobiotic diet can aid in recovering from specific diseases or reduce the risk from cancer, not “cure cancerâ€.
