Macrobiotic Diet

The Macrobiotic Diet has a long history and period of evolution, and is really part of a way of life emanating from Japan. From many centuries ago, Japanese philosophers and physicians spoke and wrote of a macrobiotic lifestyle which incorporated a specific type of diet, which is now referred to as a Macrobiotic Diet.

Despite its historic Japanese origins, it appears the term Macrobiotic was first used by a German author, Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland in 1796. The Greek meaning of macrobiotic is long life.

The macrobiotic lifestyle is a well balanced life, with attention to Yin and Yang at all times, and a harmonious attitude to nature and other surroundings. The Macrobiotic Diet is a part of that lifestyle.

It was in the 20th Century, though, that a Japanese philosopher, Georges Ohsawa, formalized the macrobiotic philosophy, and founded what we now know as the Macrobiotic Diet, and went on to set up a foundation in Japan to disseminate his teachings.

Georges Ohsawa died in 1966, but many of his followers have been instrumental in spreading the word further into Europe and the US, where the Macrobiotic Diet is well known, and has attracted the attention of health practitioners over recent years.

Macrobiotic Diet - The Basics

The Macrobiotic Diet places an emphasis on natural food, which is in tune with the macrobiotic philosophy of harmony with nature. To me, there is also quite a large element of common sense in that overall approach, given that the human body has evolved very slowly over thousands of years, based on natural foods. The sudden onslaught of processed food in the 20th century, and shifting eating and over eating habits, has been accompanied by the growth of heart disease and cancer in some western countries. Of course, there are other factors at work in western society that may have contributed to these prolific diseases.

But that does not mean everyone should dive straight into the Macrobiotic Diet. As with any diet you are considering, whether for weight loss or for better health, it is wise to learn as much as possible about the pros and cons of the diets you are considering.

The Macrobiotic Diet relies on natural and unprocessed foods such as whole grain and whole cereals, vegetables, fruit, sea weed and pulses. Fermented soy products are also an important part of the Macrobiotic Diet. It will help you to learn about the diet if you learn first about the Yin and Yang of different foods, as the diet concentrates on food that have a good Yin and Yang balance.