Macrobiotic Diet

[Darío Jiménez]

The macrobiotic diet, revered by some for its healthy and healing qualities, is a diet with roots in traditional Japanese food, which gained popularity in the west in the late 20th century, starting around the 1960s.

A macrobiotic diet emphasizes eating very little animal products of any kind, though it does allow for a small amount of fish, so it is not technically a vegetarian or vegan diet but is actually a pescetarian diet.

Instead, a macrobiotic diet includes mostly unprocessed vegan foods, such as whole grains (particularly brown rice), some fruits and plenty of vegetables, beans and legumes (such as lentils and peas) and allows the occasional consumption of fish. Along with most meats and dairy, according to the definition of a macrobiotic diet, sugar and refined oils are to be avoided.

But a macrobiotic diet is not just a "vegan plus fish minus sugar diet", as it does have a few more rules. Perhaps the most unique qualifier of the macrobiotic diet is its emphasis on the consumption of Asian vegetables, such as daikon, and sea vegetables, such as seaweed, as well as fermented foods such as Japanese miso and natto (fermented soy beans), pickles and fermented sauerkraut. A fully macrobiotic diet will also eliminate processed foods, such as coffee, alcohol, any kind of sugar, fruit juices, white rice and white flour and all food additives and preservatives.

So what does a macrobiotic diet have to do with vegetarianism or veganism? While a macrobiotic diet is very similar to a vegan diet.Many people who follow macrobiotic principles also choose to eliminate all animal products, and actually follow a vegan macrobiotic diet. And, if you're following traditional macrobiotic principles and eating mostly whole grains and vegetables and only eating fish once a week or so, you'll definitely need to understand the basic principles of veganism and plenty of vegan recipes as well!

[AMERIK]

Very accurate and interesting information. Although, I still prefer something more organic and traditional. Of course, without any kind of flour.