The Zen Macrobiotic diet originated over a century ago and today
enjoys a worldwide following due its principles of harmonious
living with nature through a balanced whole foods diet, and an
active lifestyle and respect for the environment.
Lets look at why the Zen Macrobiotic diet has such a reputation
for being one of the healthiest diets in the world.
Origins of the Zen Macrobiotic diet
Dr. Ishizuka ( the originator of the Zen Macrobiotic diet )
suffered both kidney and skin disease, so to restore his health
conducted extensive research which was compiled into two
books-Chemical Theory of Longevity, published in 1896, and Diet
For Health, published in 1898.
His great successor Yukikazu Sakurazawa integrated the theory
with elements of eastern and western philosophy and gave the
diet the name we know it by today.
Zen Macrobiotic Diet theory
The Macrobiotic philosophy is based on the oriental principles
that everything in creation is made up of two antagonistic but
complementary forces--yin (passive, silent, cold and dark) and
yang (active, hot and heavy).
Consequently, they categorized all foodstuffs as 'yin' and
'yang', or combinations of them both. They believe that the
ideal diet is one that can help balance these two forces in the
body.
According to Mr. Ohsawa's yin and yang guidelines for the Zen
Macrobiotic diet:
* Cereals must always be every meal's basis. The most ideal is
whole, brown rice.
* Vegetables can supplement cereals, but in lesser quantities
and less frequently. Eggplant and tomatoes must be avoided, as
they are extremely yin.
* Fresh fish can be used occasionally. Animal and dairy products
and fruits are to be used in minute amounts.
* All fluids should be taken as infrequently as possible, since
they are very yin, especially tea, coffee, colas and sweetened
juices. Tea made from fresh herbs, and spring water are thought
to be the most balanced and acceptable beverages. Mr. Ohsawa
gave a special recipe for such a tea.
Ohsawa himself defined macrobiotics as a dietetic
medicine-philosophy, while his successors simply call it "a
sensible way of eating". Actually, then, there is no macrobiotic
diet per se, just general principles.
General principles of the Zen Macrobiotic diet
Diets based on cereal grains with minority proportions of
vegetables, legumes, and seaweeds are considered ideal.
The Zen Macrobiotic diet is predominantly, but not absolutely,
vegetarian.
The Zen Macrobiotic diet makes general dietary recommendations,
particularly that 40 to 60 percent of caloric intake should come
from whole grains, including rice, millet, barley, wheat, oats,
rye, corn and buckwheat.
Additionally to the type of food eaten, the Zen Macrobiotic Diet
advises:
* Do not eat processed, sugared, dyed, canned, bottled, or other
adulterated food.
* Eat no foods produced have been treated with pesticides,
chemical fertilizers or preservatives.
* Eat no foods imported from a long distance.
* Eat no vegetables or fruits out of season.
* Refrain from eating extreme yin vegetables, such as potatoes,
tomatoes and eggplant.
* Use no spices, chemical seasonings or processed table salt.
* Drink no coffee or black tea.
* Refrain from flesh and dairy foods except for occasional fish
and game birds.
* No refined flour products, yeasted foods or foods containing
baking soda.
* Chew one's food thoroughly (at least 30 times - preferably
more).
* Cook all food with a gas fire. Electricity is said to create
chaotic energy patterns, and microwaves.
The Zen Macrobiotic Diet's 5 guiding principles for healthy
living are:
1. Foods are the foundation of health and happiness.
2. Sodium and potassium (as in salt) are the primary
antagonistic and complementary elements in food. They most
strongly determine its character-or "yin / yang" quality of each
food.
3. Grain is proper and nature staple food of man.
4. Food should be unrefined, whole, and natural.
5. Food should be grown locally and eaten in season.
The Zen Macrobiotic diet has millions of devotes throughout the
world due to its healthiness and the feeling of well being that
followers of the diet enjoy.
More on the Zen Macrobiotic Diet & other healthy eating tips
For more information on the Zen Macrobiotic diet and other
healthy eating tips, free information, e-zines and newsletters
visit:
http://www.net-planet.org/health.html
About the author:
More on the Zen Macrobiotic Diet & other healthy eating tips
For more information on the Zen Macrobiotic diet and other
healthy eating tips, free information, e-zines and newsletters
visit:
http://www.net-planet.org/health.html
