Macrobiotic diet promises to cure physical and mental illnesses

Most people seek balance in life. Between work and personal life, duty and leisure, reason and emotion. The macrobiotic diet preaches just that: balance.

More than a diet, it is a philosophy of life. Adopting the macrobiotic diet (macro-big, bio-life) is acquiring the ability to live grandly. Food is the main pillar to reach this capacity. Eating in a simple and balanced way, according to macrobiotics, is the basis for health and for living harmoniously with all of nature.

Getting to know macrobiotics

Macrobiotics was founded by George Ohsawa and is based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang. The bipolarity of “yin” and “yang” preaches that everything has metaphysical energies, including food and that harmony is achieved by achieving balance between these energies. Thus, the diet relates foods and their properties, serving to achieve physical and mental health.

Although nothing is extremely prohibited in the diet, it is recommended to abandon milk and dairy products, consume little animal protein (only 2 to 3 times a week) and not consume processed, transgenic or pesticide products.

These macrobiotic restrictions promise a deep detoxification of the body, as the diet promotes balance and removes possibilities of food excesses.

How to balance yin and yang food consumption

According to Nutritionist and professor at UNIME, Margaret Ribeiro Mendes, yin and yang foods represent opposites: “yin is sweet, cold and passive; the yang, the salty, the hot and the aggressive. Therefore, the diet mainly seeks to balance yin and yang.”.

Macrobiotics preaches the balanced consumption of food. According to diet, food directly influences people’s personality. Thus, consuming more foods from one group than another can generate imbalance. Those who consume more foods from the yin group tend to become depressed, dependent and with relaxed behavior. On the other hand, those who have an extremely yang diet can develop an aggressive, domineering and impatient personality.

In macrobiotics, foods are divided into 5 groups: yin, intermediate yin, yang, intermediate yang and balanced (or neutral). Neutral foods should be the most consumed, followed by yin and yang intermediates. The exclusively yin and yang should be consumed in minimal amounts.

See below which groups some foods are in:

6 initial steps to adopting the macrobiotic diet

When adopting a new diet, you need to make the transition slowly, including and excluding foods calmly. In macrobiotics, no food is prohibited, but some of them must be consumed in minimal amounts. Others must be at every meal. Here are 6 tips to start adopting the macrobiotic diet:

1. Whole grains are the basis of this diet and should make up 40 to 60% of daily calories. Include them in every meal;
2. In macrobiotics, digestion begins in the mouth, so chew your food very well;
3. Gradually reduce the consumption of processed foods;
4. Always opt for organic food. GMOs and pesticides are not welcome;
5. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables. Nature is wise and generates specific foods to be eaten in certain regions and climates;
6. The way you cook matters in macrobiotics. The stove flame is responsible for passing good energy to food. Avoid microwaves or electric stoves.

6 macrobiotic recipes to make at home

Check out some recipes from natural cuisine specialist and presenter Bela Gil. Bela also holds a degree in food science, as well as being a well-known adherent to the macrobiotic diet. Check out:

1. Cold red fruit pie: Great dessert option without preservatives and guilt-free. Red fruits can be replaced with others of your choice without any problems.

2. Cassava or yam toast with mushroom ragu: These toasts are a great snack option or to be served as a starter. They can be set up as canapés and look beautiful.

3. Fennel Salad with Coriander Mayonnaise: A very diverse salad option with a unique flavor of cilantro mayonnaise with tofu.

4. Zucchini stuffed with freekeh: If the freekeh grain is not available it can be easily substituted for quinoa, pearl barley or whole millet. It is a very high fiber recipe.

5. Seriguela Caipesake: Alcohol is not a very suitable drink to be consumed in the macrobiotic diet, but some special occasions ask for exceptions. A great way to consume alcohol without guilt is this unconventional sake caipirinha that uses seriguela as the main ingredient.

Who can adopt macrobiotics and restrictions

Basically, healthy people willing to change their eating habits can adopt the diet. However, above all, you have to have discipline and start slowly for the body to slowly adapt to the new routine.

As for restrictions, as it is a diet that does not take into account the food pyramid indicated for each age group, Margareth advises “it should not be indicated for anyone, especially individuals with pathologies.” Therefore, it is of paramount importance to consult professional help before making any changes in eating habits.

Advantages and disadvantages of the macrobiotic diet

Before incorporating a new diet, it is common to have some doubts. Weighing the pros and cons is a good way to clear up your doubts and decide if the new diet is a good choice for you. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of macrobiotics below:

Benefits

As the basis of the diet is whole grains, fiber consumption is very high, helping the proper functioning of the intestine. The diet also proposes the consumption of many fruits and vegetables, which contribute to several areas of health. The diet, if practiced correctly, also promises to cure various diseases with food alone. Eating foods and cutting out processed foods detoxifies the body, speeds up metabolism and promotes well-being.

Disadvantages

The diet is not suitable for those who want to lose weight quickly, as the consumption of carbohydrates is very high. Another negative point is that it can be complex and difficult to fulfill for some people, as it requires extreme dedication and a total change in eating habits. Another weak point is the low or no consumption of animal proteins, which if not correctly replaced by legumes, can cause a deficit of vitamins D and B12, especially in those who do a lot of physical exercises.

Change can start with you

These tips serve as an initial guide for anyone who decides to adopt macrobiotics. Remembering that the diet should not be started immediately, but by replacing food gradually. Consulting a health professional, in this case, a nutritionist, before starting any diet is also essential to know how to adopt these dietary changes in a healthy way.

The macrobiotic diet may seem difficult at first, but if that’s the desire, willpower will bring the necessary discipline. How about starting to rethink your eating habits today?

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.