Macrobiotics in Nutshell!!!

Macrobiotics is a diet, based on whole grains, beans, and vegetables, that incorporates many traditional Japanese foods, as well as traditional Chinese philosophy, into an overall lifestyle that seeks harmony and balance for body, mind, and spirit.

Macrobiotic philosophy, based on classical Chinese principles, seeks to harmonize eating with the primary elements of the cosmos, including the basic concept of yin and yang energies. Like everything else in the living world, food is considered to contain these energies, and the macrobiotic diet is arranged in a way that keeps these complementary energies in balance. Disease is seen as a blockage of the free and natural flow of life energy (known as ki or chi), and health is regained and maintained when diet and lifestyle keep this energy balanced and flowing harmoniously.

To achieve this balance, macrobiotic eaters avoid foods seen as excessively yin, such as tropical fruits and spices, or excessively yang, such as meat and dairy products. Foods considered to have moderate, balanced yin-yang energies, such as whole grains, fresh vegetables, and legumes (peas and beans), and are the mainstays of a macrobiotic diet. The macrobiotic diet is not strictly vegetarian; lean fish and other seafood are eaten occasionally. Traditional Japanese preparations, such as miso (fermented soy or grain paste), tofu (bean curd), natto (fermented soybeans), and tamari soy sauce, are important elements. Seaweeds, pickled plums, and pickled radishes are other Japanese influences.

Macrobiotic cooks avoid processed or frozen foods, chemical additives, and artificial sweeteners. Fresh local vegetables, ideally grown without chemical pesticides, are served raw, steamed, boiled, baked, or fried. Instead of refined sugar, malted barley and brown rice syrup serve as sweeteners. Mild green tea or roasted barley tea is served rather than coffee or black tea.

Food is cooked simply, in earthenware or cast iron cookware rather than in aluminum or Teflon-coated pots. A macrobiotic meal is prepared and served slowly, and chewed thoroughly (serious practitioners chew each mouthful around 50 times). A meditative, harmonious atmosphere is cultivated at the table.

Diet is just one part of a macrobiotic lifestyle. The philosophy also encourages exercise, frequent contact with nature, and minimal use of alcohol, drugs, and medications. Avoidance of electromagnetic fields emanating from televisions, microwave ovens, and computers is also recommended. Finally, macrobiotic philosophy encourages the development of a generally reverent and harmonious attitude in one's daily activities. These practices are seen as a way to promote health in body, mind, and spirit, and balanced individuals are seen as providing the basis for a balanced, peaceful society.