The word ‘Macrobiotic’ is derived from the Greek words Macro and Bio. Macro means large or long, while bio means life. The Macrobiotic Diet was developed in 1920 by the Japanese philosopher, George Ohsawa.
Why Follow the Macrobiotic Diet?
The goal of this diet is simple – to achieve a healthy balance in life. It’s not just about losing weight, preventing chronic diseases, and achieving the look you desire. It’s designed for long-term health. The diet rebalances your choices of foods and shows you how you should cook and prepare your foods for maximum benefit.
This diet teaches you how to listen to your body, and it does not seek to entirely deprive you of the current foods you may enjoy. You are also encouraged to eat at regular intervals and stay physically and mentally fit.
Foods to Eat
This diet includes the consumption of organically grown whole grains, making up more than 50% of an individual’s daily food intake. Here are a few examples of what you can include – buckwheat, brown rice, and wild rice, quinoa, and whole rye.
Locally grown vegetables are also recommended, comprising one-third of the daily dietary intake. The rest of the food choices should include beans, legumes, miso, and sea vegetables.
Meat is not entirely discouraged but many advocates of this diet do not eat meat, as many see this diet as a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you do include meat, include it only in small amounts, and try to source organic.
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that should be consumed only in moderation or avoided in this diet. Foods to be consumed in moderation include dairy products, poultry, eggs, processed foods, refined sugars, nuts, and seafood. Vegetables such as potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, spinach, and zucchini are also to be consumed in moderate amounts.
Tropical fruits and juices, sodas, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
Can You Lose Weight on the Macrobiotic Diet?
A diet that is based on whole grains and vegetables, and limits sugar, meat, and processed foods means one thing – a healthy weight range. So if you are wondering if this diet can help you lose weight, then the answer is a big yes.
This diet has a high emphasis on eating mindfully, and this assists with weight management also.
Other Benefits of the Macrobiotic Diet
Lowers the Risk of Diseases
Health practitioners claim that this diet helps prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems, and other chronic ‘lifestyle’ diseases.
Slows the Aging Process
A diet of whole grains and vegetables is easy to digest and does not stress the natural digestive pattern of the body. Avoiding meat and processed foods helps eliminate disruptive food chemicals that can adversely affect physiological aging.
Disadvantages of the Macrobiotic Diet
Despite its various benefits, this diet does have a few disadvantages. These include –
- Low intake of some vitamins including B12, D, Iron, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Zinc.
- The diet is can be costly, due to buying organic foods, and may take longer to prepare. Food must be prepared and cooked in a ‘Macrobiotic’ way.
- The diet may be too restrictive, especially for meat lovers, coffee drinkers, alcoholic beverage drinkers, and those with a sweet tooth.
The Macrobiotic Diet is an effective meal plan for some people, but it is not for everyone. The aim of the diet is to achieve an overall balance in health; therefore, its results may not show immediately, which can deter some people. As with any diet, consult your health practitioner to see if this diet is right for you.
