The Macrobiotic Diet

These days various new types of diets are being advocated and popularised. These diets have certain principles and rules which have to be followed to get maximum benefits. They are based on individual or group ideologies. The first thing one should do when looking into the macrobiotic diet is to drop the word "diet" and add the word "lifestyle", for it is much more than a simple food plan to be followed. It is a way of life that aims at achieving balance with nature and that includes a balance with our own bodies. The plan originated from Japan and came in the US in 1960s. The man behind the diet was George Ohsawa. This concept was popularized by Michio Kushi, and developed into the lifestyle as it is known today.

The nutritional aspect of the macrobiotic diet holds to the principle that the body can exist in harmony with nature and recover its natural good health. It is important to note here that the diet should be based on foods native to ones' own climate, as this helps in achieving that "natural balance". The diet should constitute of the following components:-

Grains: 50-60% of this diet is to be composed of whole grains. Those recommended are brown rice, millet, barley, oats, rye, corn, wheat and buckwheat. Breads must be made without yeast and pasta is allowed in small amounts.