Deciding If Macrobiotics Is Right For You

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Macrobiotics is a whole life system that encompasses all aspects of life. From the way you eat, to the way you exercise; even the way you approach mental and spiritual difficulties can be addressed via macrobiotics.

A large part of Macrobiotics involves dietary issues; in fact, many people assume that Macrobiotics is a kind of weight loss diet. While it is true that switching to a Macrobiotic way of life will indeed assist overweight individuals in weight loss, problems of all kinds can be addressed and whole life recovery can occur via Macrobiotics.

How Macrobiotics Works
The dietary element of Macrobiotics emphasizes the importance of eating whole fruits, whole vegetables, and whole grains. Nuts, seeds and legumes are also an important part of this way of eating.

Most followers of a Macrobiotic eating plan try to find as much locally grown food as possible. In addition, they enjoy sea vegetables and miso soup on a regular basis.

The composition of a Macrobiotic diet is:

Brown rice and other whole grains - 25-30%
Vegetables - 50%
Beans, Lentils and Other Legumes - 5-10%
Miso Soup - 5%
Other Foods including meats, fish and processed foods - 5%

Besides what is being eaten, emphasis is placed on how food is eaten. Great value is placed in chewing food thoroughly, prior to swallowing.

Macrobiotics is an effective eating plan because it lets our bodies work in harmony with nature. By avoiding chemical additives and preservatives as well as chemical sweeteners and flavor enhancers, the body can heal itself from the inside out and the person using the eating plan can realize improved health overall.

The name "Macrobiotic" is derived from two words: Makros (Greek for long or large) and bios (Greek, for life). People who follow the eating plan have a collective expectation that the plan, combined with other elements of Macrobiotics will enhance longevity and increase overall health.

Historically, Macrobiotic principals have been followed by such figures as Hippocrates and Aristotle. The overall plan that is referred to as Macrobiotics was introduced in the United States in the 1950's by George Oshawa.

Beyond the dietary commitments taken on by people who decide to embrace a macrobiotic lifestyle, there is a distinct philosophical set of guidelines based on natural laws of life and change. Macrobiotic philosophies include plenty of food for thought; so if you are looking for a way to completely change your life, you may like what you find.

For instance, one of the basic tenets of macrobiotics states that healing is a paradigm that involves the body, the mind and the spirit; and that healing occurs from the inside out. If you have a problem in one area, then the other two need to be involved as well for whole healing to occur.

Advantages And Drawbacks Of A Macrobiotic Diet
If you are looking for a major lifestyle change, shifting to a macrobiotic lifestyle over time may be for you. People who have successfully shifted from standard, common eating and lifestyle practices to macrobiotics have done so over time, one step at a time. This is a lifestyle that takes a lot of study and commitment. People who live a macrobiotic lifestyle seem to be very satisfied with life as a whole; are often content with less as far as material belongings are concerned, and they enjoy good health.

If you like to live a fast paced life, have heavy commitments that cannot be changed, and cannot take the time to shop for organic food and commit to eating things that are mostly locally and organically grown, then macrobiotics may be very difficult to accommodate.

Macrobiotic diets are helpful for people who suffer from diabetes, and who have a history of heart disease in their families. It can be a satisfying lifestyle if you are ready to embrace it.

How To Get Started On A Macrobiotic Diet
Macrobiotics seminars and retreats are a good place to start - this is a lifestyle changing process and not something you ought to undertake lightly, or overnight. There are many great books available; and macrobiotic counseling is available for people who are considering making the lifestyle their own.

Resources:

http://www.macrobiotics.co.uk/

http://www.hipchicksmacrobiotics.com/

http://www.kushiinstitute.org/

http://www.macroamerica.com/