Macrobiotic Diet

Our Reviewer Says ...

"You won't count calories, do weird food combinations or endure phases of different eating patterns when you follow a macrobiotic diet. This is more of a lifestyle plan than a diet that has a Zen-like attitude toward food and life."

At a Glance

Unlike other diets, you won't count calories, do weird food combinations or endure phases of different eating patterns when you follow the rules outlined in the "Macrobiotic Diet." That's because this is more of a lifestyle plan than a diet -- one that originated in Japan -- which may explain its Zen-like attitude toward food and life. Macrobiotic, after all, means "great life," and food choices are designed to create an overall healthy life.

According to macrobiotic principles, foods have yin and yang elements, which affect the body differently. That's why the diet stresses foods that are most balanced in terms of yin and yang, focusing on foods mainly of plant origin that are eaten as close to their natural state as possible and banning foods like meat, dairy products and refined sugars. Meals are then designed to achieve balance and harmony in the body and with the environment.

Guidelines are also set for preparing and eating foods. For instance, macrobiotic principles call for foods to be steamed, baked or broiled, and cooking with microwaves or electricity is discouraged.

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