Learn more about Macrobiotic Diets

A macrobiotic diet is a low-fat, high-fiber diet of whole grains, vegetables, sea vegetables, or algae, and seeds that are prepared in accordance with specific principles. Eating habits are said to be synchronized with the cycles of nature. Macrobiotic eating is about diet and lifestyle. How do I practice a macrobiotic diet? Interested in following a macrobiotic diet? Here's what you'll need:

Whole grains. Whole grains include brown rice, barley, millet, oats, corn, rye, whole wheat, and buckwheat. These foods should comprise 50 to 60 percent of your daily food intake.
Vegetables. Fresh vegetables should comprise 25 to 30 percent of your daily food intake. Vegetables to be eaten on a daily basis include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, collards, mustard greens, turnips, turnip greens, onion, daikon radish, acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkin. Vegetables to be eaten two to three times per week include celery, iceberg lettuce, mushrooms, snow peas, and string beans.
Beans. Beans should comprise 5 to 10 percent of your daily food intake. Try adzuki beans, chickpeas, lentils, and tofu. Sea vegetables also are recommended and include wakame, hijiki, kombu, and nori. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and should be included in the diet as often as possible.
Soups. Soups and broths should comprise 5 to 10 percent of your food intake. Soups containing vegetables are permitted.
Nuts, seeds, and fish. Followers of the macrobiotic diet are allowed a few servings each week of nuts, seeds, and fresh fish. Fresh fish include halibut, flounder, cod, and sole.

In general, beverage intake is governed by thirst. Only warm or cold teas made from roasted grains, dandelion greens, or the cooking water of soba noodles are generally considered acceptable in the macrobiotic diet. All teas with fragrances or that contain caffeine must be avoided. Drinking and cooking water must be purified. All foods used in the diet must be organically grown and produce should be fresh and grown locally.

How is the macrobiotic diet eaten?

There are principles that govern the consumption of the macrobiotic diet. These principles include:

Avoid the use of a microwave oven to prepare food.
Rice should be cooked in a pressure cooker.
Eat only when hungry.
Chew food completely.
Eat in an orderly, relaxed manner.
When eating, use good posture.

How do I know if a macrobiotic diet is right for me?

Talk to your doctor. He or she can give you more information on macrobiotic eating. You may have current health issues that won't work well with the diet, including allergies.

Should a child follow a macrobiotic diet?

Ask your child's doctor. A macrobiotic diet is restrictive and it may not provide your child with the vitamins and nutrients he or she needs for healthy growth and development.

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