The Macrobiotic Diet

The macrobiotic diet has not been developed as a quick fix for weight loss but instead it focuses on choosing foods that are nutritious, varied and healthy for an increased vitality and to prevent several types of diseases, including cancer. Therefore, it's more a lifestyle than a diet. The macrobiotic diet was embraced by famous celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna who became convinced by the many health benefits the diet provide.

Also,the diet also promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle by encouraging us to eat organic, seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables, free range eggs and other natural sources of lean protein.

This diet is quite flexible, yet there are some guidelines that help us create an adequate meal plan. Your meal plan should include:

# 40-50% whole grains

# 25-30%vegetables

# 10-15%legumes,beans,fruits,seeds and miso soup

# less than 5% processed foods.

Eating as much raw foods as possible is recommended and generally this diet is a predominantly vegetarian one although it encourages the occasional consumption of fish. Avoiding the overstimulating effects of certain foods and drinks like refined flour, coffee, alcohol, very hot spices, honey, chocolate or poor quality vegetable oils is also recommended.

The choices we make should be adjusted according to various factors like: sex, age, health condition, season, climate and levels of activity. For example: summer is the best time to eat more raw foods while in autumn we should choose root vegetables, cereals, pumpkin seeds or sweet rice.