A macrobiotic devotee believes that anything related to foods such as its quality is a major factor that affects one’s life and being, far more than what it implies. Foods are then thought to be affecting factors to a person’s wellness and happiness. Well, in a sense, this is actually true, isn’t it? Because of this, macrobiotic practitioners stay clear themselves from any processed foods, and instead, they focused more on what are natural and traditional food preparation methods. They claimed that it is much better to select less processed and more natural foods. And they used and applied the same traditional means in serving their families at home.
Macrobiotics give more emphasis on organically and locally grown whole grain cereals, vegetables, legumes, fruits, soy products, and seaweed that are incorporated together in meals in accordance to the balance principle between yang and yin properties, instead of a more scientific guidelines on dieting. Generally, a macrobiotic diet follows the Yang and Yin idea of diet.
Fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, rice, and beans are the basic elements of a Yang and Yin diet, all of which are considered natural and neutrally well balanced. However, foods that are extremely Yang naturally, or excessively Yin by nature, are rarely eaten, or not at all. Overly Yin products examples are tropical fruit, coffee, dairy products, sugar, honey and alcohol, while, very Yang food products include meat, dairy products such as hard cheeses, eggs, and poultry.
Macrobiotic diets are those with highly natural and unprocessed foods, including vegetables and complex carbohydrates. It is comprised of low saturated fats, but at the same time, provides essential fats. The diet also believed in eating fresh and organically grown foods. Microwave is not an option in preparing the foods for this kind of diet. In cooking rice, pressure cooker must be used instead.
The manner of eating also matters in a macrobiotic diet. The foods should be chewed slowly and properly, in a relaxing way. A low fat and high fiber diet is also believed to provide significant benefits in some cancer type preventions. The macrobiotics’ importance on the less processed foods may be favorable for those with chemical sensitivities and food allergies.
Followers of this diet assert that harmony and balance of the diet towards lifestyle evoke the best health condition possible. They strongly believed in the diet’s abilities to yield numerous positive health benefits that include a wonderful and exhilarating sense of wellness. Some studies even provide statistics of some people following the diet to have a declined risk of heart diseases and reduced risks of cancer.
Greg Auster is a writer for Super-Food-Guide.com [http://www.super-food-guide.com], where you can read on how certain foods are essential to our body.
