Discover the macrobiotic diet!

I recently tried a restaurant specializing in macrobiotic food, and my post on social media piqued your interest, so I’ll tell you more! This diet has always existed in different variations throughout history.

The origins

The macrobiotic diet of modern times originated in Japan.  However, it is inspired by the diet developed in antiquity by  Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine.

In the 18th century, the physician to the German king Frederick of Prussia ( King of Prussia ) was the first author of the principles of Macrobiotics! He even published a book that would make him world-famous.

Then,  Georges Ohsawa and one of his disciples founded the more modern version of this diet towards the end of the 1940s. Georges Ohsawa’s (1893-1966) studies were based on  Chinese medicine and the energetic principle of yin and yang. According to this medicine, certain foods bring us closer to the yin or yang pole; however, it is necessary to find a balance between these two opposing forces.

The principles

This diet is not intended for weight loss! The primary objective is rather to maintain good health and a healthy lifestyle in perfect harmony with the environment and the universe.

The strict version of this diet is entirely vegan;  however, there are less restrictive variations available today. 

• The vegan version contains approximately 55% whole grains, about 20%  vegetables, 15%  legumes, and the remainder algae and fermented soy products.  Some fruits and vegetables are excluded.
• For the more flexible version, some individuals may be able to add small amounts of white fish and some fruit.

The composition of a macrobiotic meal is based on the yin and yang principles of foods. It is therefore recommended not to consume excessive quantities, or even any foods that are very yin or very yang. Instead, it is best to consume foods that fall between these extremes! These include whole grains, certain vegetables, seaweed, and legumes.

The Yin

Yin corresponds to a  positive pole  where the force is more  passive  and receptive than yang; yin foods are:

• Refined sugar
• Raw vegetables
• Tropical fruits
• Nuts
• Alcohol
• Etc

The Yang

Yang is therefore the  negative pole  where the force is  active  and  emitting ; foods are:

• Meats
• Poultry
• Refined salt
• The coffee
• Spices
• Etc

The other principles

Macrobiotic nutrition is not just a diet but a philosophy, so there are other principles to follow in order to have a balance in your holistic body.

• Eat seasonal and local foods
• Half of the meal should consist of whole grains or cereals.
• Miso soup is recommended daily
• The vegetables should be two-thirds cooked and one-third raw.
• Certain fruits and vegetables  (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, lettuce, asparagus, etc. ) should be avoided because they are rich in potassium, a characteristic of yin.
• Desserts should be eaten occasionally and in small quantities. They should be made with whole, natural sugars such as rice syrup.
• The water must be of good quality for drinking as well as for cooking.
• Do not microwave.
• No vitamin and mineral supplements
• Take the time to chew.
• Eat only when you are hungry
• Express your gratitude for your meal
• Stop consuming any food or water 3 hours before bedtime

The benefits of a macrobiotic diet

• It is a food very rich in fiber, which gives it a satiating quality.
• The macrobiotic diet limits refined and industrial products responsible for modern diseases.

The difficulties

• This diet is not suitable for Westerners who consume little or no seaweed, miso, soy, etc. In addition to that, it is very restrictive.
• In the long term, this diet can cause deficiencies in some individuals. It is not recommended for children, adolescents, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, individuals with cancer, or malnourished people.