Originally proposed by Sagen Ishizuka, and later developed by George Ohsawa, Macrobiotic diet is a fad diet that is simply one of a kind. Primarily based on ideas from Zen Buddhism, macrobiotic diet claims that avoiding refined foods and the majority of the animal products has positive effects on your health, and might even fight cancer.
What is really a Macrobiotic Diet?
It’s about balancing the yin and the yang of your food choices. Choosing organic, locally, seasonal produce. Nature really provides what you need at that point in time, in that season, something like that.
“The Yin Foods” are mostly bitter or salty, and they contain high moisture. Best examples include sugar, tea, coffee, yoghurt, etc. while the “The Yang Foods” tend to be sweet, spicy, or pungent. They generally have warm colors like red, or orange. Best examples are red meat, poultry fish, shellfish, eggs, etc.
How to follow a Macrobiotic Diet
The rule of thumb is: A) 40-60% of your diet should include wholegrain, B) 20-30%, fruits and vegetables, C) 10-25%, bean and bean products.
What are the methods?
1) Eat only when hungry, drink only when thirsty. Follow your body’s natural rhythm.
2) Chew your food thoroughly until it’s almost like liquid or atleast close to that.
3) Strictly use natural cooking utensils. Stay away from microwave ovens and electrical tools.
4) Purified water means purifying it before cooking or drinking it. The easiest way is to boil it.
5) Stay away from artificial flavors, caffeine, or alcohol.
6) Don’t overeat.
7) No eating 3 hours before bedtime.
Benefits: Why go with a macrobiotic diet?
Research suggests that it has these effects to your body:
1) Positive effect on heart health
2) Lower blood lipids
3) Lower cholesterol
4) It’s plant-based, low-fat, high-fiber in nature. So, if you’re wondering how this helps you lose weight. There you go. Low fat, high fiber. It also means it goes easy on your gut, plus easier and more regular bowel movement.
This is mostly beneficial to those with Type II Diabetes, or those who experience reactive hypoglycemia.
The Dark Side of Going Macrobiotic Diet
If you’re already weak or are underweight, stay away from this program. Studies have shown that certain vitamins and minerals are limited with this type of diet, especially when you follow it very strictly. Hence, if you’re still recovering, focus on your recovery and it is the food that will help your recovery. Also if you follow this diet strictly, it might not be good for young ones, old people, and people who are diagnosed with chronic illnesses.
Original Practice Vs Current Practice
Original version stays away from any and all animal products. This led to a number of malnutrition cases. Hence, disapproved by many health and nutrition experts.
So what changed?
1) It’s no longer as rigid as what it was intended to be.
2) The food guide is not as rigid and can be adjusted depending on the needs of the individual.
3) No longer as restrictive in food limitation – 1) whole grain percentage is lowered, 2) vegetable percentage is increased, 3) meat, egg, and dairy is allowed though limited, etc.
Conclusion
There’s something always said about fad diets – that their effect doesn’t really last long. And, that there is bound for a relapse. When that happens, you’ll be in far worse shape than when you began the fad. If there’s anything that I can tell you that is tested and proven – eat a balanced diet, exercise, and give yourself plenty of time to sleep and rest.
One also needs to note, whatever your reasons maybe, consult your doctor before proceeding to follow this fad diet.
References:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-macrobiotic-diet