Macrobiotic diet

Macrobiotics (from the Greek "macro" (large, long) + "bio" (life)) is a lifestyle that incorporates a dietary regime. The word was first coined by Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland of Germany with his book, "Makrobiotik oder Die Kunst, des Menschliche Lebens zu Verlängern", in 1796.

History

There were many Japanese philosophers and physicians that inspired Georges Ohsawa to finally formalize this methodology. Among them chronologically were Kaibara Ekiken, Andou Shōeki, Mizuno Nanbaku, and Sagen Ishizuka and his disciples Nishibata Manabu and Shojiro Goto.

Macrobiotics was brought to Europe from Japan by the philosopher Georges Ohsawa, after spending much time with Nishibata Manabu, (who taught extensively in Paris), and subsequently to North America in the late 1960s by his pupils Herman Aihara, and Michio Kushi among many others. Before the word Macrobiotics became global in usage (and also how the term translates from the Japanese language) it was known as the Unique Principle.

Philosophy

Behind macrobiotic thinking stands the idea that food, and food quality affects our lives more greatly than is commonly thought. It affects our health, well being and happiness. Therefore it is better for us to choose food that is less processed, more natural, use more traditional methods of cooking and cook for ourselves and families and friends.

Macrobiotics emphasize locally grown, whole-grain cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between yin and yang properties. Cereals (and in particular, rice), which are seen as being naturally balanced in terms of Yin and Yang make up the main part of the diet. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature (such as very sweet foods, or dairy products) or extremely Yang in nature (such as very salty foods or red meat) are eaten very rarely if at all.

Some people try and extend the diet into a macrobiotic lifestyle. People who practice a Macrobiotic lifestyle believe they try to observe yin and yang in everything they do. They strive for balance and happiness in their daily lives and living in harmony with nature and their physical surrounding.

In Practice

For people who want to adopt the diet, it is recommended to read more about it and even consult a macrobiotic counselor (especially in case of illness). It is generally recommended that the diet be adopted gradually, reducing animal products, refined flour, sugar, dairy products and adding more whole grain and vegetable quality foods.

External links

True Diet Society ｛正食協会 – 日本語｝
The Kushi Institute Worldwide organisation promoting a macrobiotic diet.
| Skeptics Dictionary on Macrobiotics A critical view of macrobiotics.