Macrobiotic Diet FoodsIn 1985, Michio Kushi wrote The Macrobiotic Way: The Definitive Guide to Macrobiotic Living and a way of living and looking at eating had taken hold. "Macro" which means great or long, and "bios" which signifies life are great terms to describe this lifestyle. This interest in macrobiotics originally began with the influential book Macrobiotics or The Art of Prolonging Life written by Christopher Hufeland in the eighteenth century. But it actually goes back to Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine, who first began using the word in his essays. 
Macrobiotics is a way of eating and approaching life that has been practiced for over a thousands of years by many people around the world.First introduced to the United States in the 50's by George Ohsawaa, today there are almost a thousand learning centers that teach the macrobiotic way of living. The macrobiotic way of life can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure,better health for you and your family, and harmony with nature among many other benefits. The macrobiotic foods diet is composed of whole foods, not processed. Red meat, diary, and sugar are avoided. Some of the foods may not be familiar to you such as sea vegetables (nori, kombu, etc.), bancha tea,umeboshi,tempeh, ormiso soup to name just a few, but they are all very instrumental for great health. The quality of the food and how you consume it are also vitally important. Key Macrobiotic Diet Foods Starting with Whole GrainsMacrobiotics favors natural, wholesome foods. Whole grains is an essential part of this diet. Ancients depended upon staples such as millet,brown rice, oats, rye, buckwheat, corn, and wheat. Today these are just as important.Whole grains are eaten intact and prepared through pressure cooking,boiling or baked into casseroles. Whole grain, which is an excellent source of fiber, is composed of complex carbohydrates,proteins,fats,vitamins and minerals in ideal proportions. Whole grains for regular use are the following: whole barley,whole millet,whole wheat, whole buckwheat,whole rye,whole corn, whole oats, and whole short-grain or medium-grain brown rice. Occasionally, items such as couscous,buckwheat noodles,rye bread,whole-wheat pasta,rolled oats,or sweet brown rice are permitted. White flour products and yeasted bread are avoided! VegetablesVegetables are also a staple of macrobiotic diet as they are rich in minerals and vitamins. Homegrown or locally grown vegetables are the best;also, try to eat vegetables that are in season. For example, during the winter, you may choose root vegetables (such as carrots,rutabagas,winter squash or cabbage) that are dense compared to the leafy vegetables of summer.In summer, eat generously of the leafy greens such as kale, broccoli,brussels sprouts,collard greens,scallions,bok choy,or watercress. For occasional use, try celery,corn on the cob,beets,or alfalfa and bean sprouts. Sea vegetables an often over-looked source of nutrition, are also included in the diet. For example, dulse has many times the amount of potassium that a banana contains. Other valuable sea vegetables include kelp,wakame, kombu,arame,hijiki,agar-agar,irish moss, or nori. Beans and SoyBeans are another element of macrobiotics. Beans complement whole grains and should be eaten together, as one provides the amino acids the other lacks. Beans also contain quality proteins without the saturated fats of meats.Examples of beans to eat among macrobiotic diet foods are the following: adzuki beans,chickpeas,lentils,miso,natto,tempeh, or tofu. Tofu and tempeh are fermented soyfoods and are easy to digest. Natural tamari soy sauce is also recommended. The recommended way to learn about macrobiotics and its diet foods is to obtain a book such as listed below so that you can get the full details on this healthy way to eat and live. Try it; you might like it.... You will find yourself quickly loosing weight,and it might just lengthen or save your life. Learn More About Macrobiotic Diet FoodsFrom Macrobiotic Diet Foods to return to Nutrition, click here.
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