Macrobiotic Diet Program
The term “macrobiotics” is found in the writings of Hippocrates. Macro is the Greek word for “great” and bios is the word for “life.” Macrobiotics, thus means long life and is used to signify living in harmony with nature, eating a simple, balanced diet, and living to an active old age. George Ohsawa, a Japanese educator, developed the theory of macrobiotics. It comprised of ten progressive steps, each more restrictive in calories than the previous.
The macrobiotic diet and philosophy believes that simplicity is the key to optimal health. It is a low-fat, high fiber diet that is a predominantly vegetarian diet. It stresses on foods that tend to be lacking in the North American diet. It emphasizes the consumption of whole grains, vegetables and soy products, rich in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant hormones, which are found to prevent certain types of cancer in women.
The food recommended by this diet includes whole grains, 50- 60%, fresh vegetables, 25–30%, beans and sea vegetables, 5–10% and soups and broths comprising, 5–10% of food intake. Food preparation and the manner in which food is eaten, is also dealt with in the diet principles. The diet discourages the use of a microwave oven in the preparation of food. Rice should preferably not be cooked in a pressure cooker. It also lays importance on personal hygiene as well as cleanliness of the cooking area.
There are some disadvantages of this diet. The macrobiotic diet is considered to lack certain nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, and calcium. This could lead to lack of energy.
Critics disapprove of the restrictive macrobiotic diets, which can be deficient in calories, as well as certain vital nutrients. As a result this type of diet is not suitable for children, or for pregnant or lactating women. It is advisable to consult a medical practitioner, before switching to any strict diet regimen.