Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is a form of lifestyle that involves a strict dietary regime. Dating back to 1893, this philosophy was brought to Europe from Japan. From Paris where disciples of this treatment were studying, they went to North America taking their theory with them. ‘Macrobiotics’ is a term we use nowadays but originally was known as ‘unique principle’ translating directly from Japanese.

Followers of this study believe that food and food quality are the essence of good healthy living. This in turn affects our well-being and happiness. The food that is eaten has minimal processing, is wholly natural and people use more traditional ways of cooking whether it is in a family, with a group of friends or simply for oneself.

Macrobiotics is all about natural foods. Foods those are locally and organically grown such as whole grain cereals, pulses, fruit and vegetables, seaweed, and Soya products. If these products are used to create full healthy meals then a balance of yin and yang can be created to achieve tranquility.

The food pyramid of macrobiotics gets rid of the idea of the four food groups. This type of lifestyle encourages grains such a brown rice and vegetables. Foods that are extremely yin such as dairy or sweet foods, and foods that are extremely yang such as salty foods, red meat, or coffee are extremely bad for you and create an imbalance of yin and yang. Certain aspects are taken into consideration such as the acidity, the location of food growth, the birthplace of food, the color, flavor, shape and texture of the food are all thought about.

It is seen that diets that consist of various amounts of vegetables, cereals, salads, animal foods, fruits, desserts and drinks seem to benefit people with a healthy lifestyle. Classically the macrobiotic diet is 50-60% wholegrain, 30% vegetables, 5% soups such as miso and beans, nuts, fruit and fish. It is important to consume such foods in the most natural and healthy way possible. It would not be just to fry fish or vegetables for example in oil or butter as this would add a lot of salt and fat to the diet thereby off balancing the yin and yang.

Those that follow the macrobiotic diet also try and follow other things in their lives that create a nice balance of yin and yang. This may include things like exercise, meditation, knowledge and study.