Macrobiotic diet: Encyclopedia II - Macrobiotic diet - Philosophy

Macrobiotic diet - Philosophy

Followers of macrobiotics believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more than is commonly thought. It is thought to affect our health, well being and happiness. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methods of cooking and cook for oneself, and families and friends of oneself.

Macrobiotics emphasize locally grown, whole grain cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between yin and yang properties, rather than scientific dietary guidelines. Cereals (and in particular, rice), which are seen as being naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang make up the main part of the diet. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature (such as very sweet foods, or dairy products) or extremely Yang in nature (such as very salty foods or red meat) are eaten very rarely if at all.

Oshawa described ten diets in total, with varying proportions of the following food groups: cereals, vegetables, soups, animal foods, salad and fruits, desserts, and beverages. The ideal diet of the ten, according to Oshawa, was named "Number 7" and consists almost entirely of cereals with a minimal amount of beverages.[1]

Some followers try to extend the diet into a macrobiotic lifestyle. People who practice a Macrobiotic lifestyle believe they try to observe yin and yang in everything they do. They strive for balance and happiness in their daily lives and living in harmony with nature and their physical surroundings.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Philosophy", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki