Macrobiotic diet may be unfamiliar to your ears. This diet method is used by the singer and actress Madonna to maintain her figure. In fact, former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and famous actress Gwyneth Paltrow was also once tried the macrobiotic diet. So what is the macrobiotic diet?
Macrobiotic diet originated from an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches the balance of "Yin" and "Yang". This diet focuses on balancing the types of food intake by considering seasonal factors, climate, activity, gender, age, for health, as well as to achieve harmony of body and soul.
The point is, macrobiotic dieters believe that the food consumed will have an impact on health and happiness. They also felt that by choosing foods that are natural (not processed foods) can improve the quality of life and help maintain or lose weight.
In practice, this diet recommends that a person increases consumption of fibrous foods, such as whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, grains, vegetables, and fish and shellfish.
Red meat, poultry meat, and alcohol is the abstinence of food and beverages consumed by macrobiotic dieters drink while the most recommended in the macrobiotic diet is water and tea.
This diet is intended to balance food intake element of Yin and Yang. Yin foods are classified as foods that are considered cold, sweet, and passive, while Yang is the opposite, ie foods that seem hot, salty, and aggressive.
Food "Yin" and "Yang"
In accordance with the philosophy, macrobiotic diet classifies foods according to the character of Yin and Yang.
Groups are considered food grains with the most balanced Yin and Yang. Examples are white rice, brown rice, whole wheat.
In the daily diet, grain-grain group this number should be 50-60 percent of other foods. Pasta and bread without yeast is allowed to be consumed occasionally.
The food element of A is usually found in fresh vegetables type the number of 25-30 percent in each dish. Examples are cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, pok coy, radishes, onions, and squash. While celery, lettuce, mushrooms, peas, and beans consumed enough 2-3 times a week. The process of cooking the vegetables should be steamed or sauteed with olive oil.
The other is the element of food, grains, legumes, and seaweed that may be consumed by 5-10 percent in a single dish.
Back on the philosophy of Yin and Yang, which focuses on the unification with the nature of life, then the macrobiotic dieters do not use electric stove or microwave when cooking, as these can eliminate nutrients in cooked food. Instead, they use firewood or gas.
Although the element of Yin foods are highly recommended for consumption. However, there is some element of Yin foods, which are too extreme and should be avoided by macrobiotic dieters, ie eggs, milk, cheese, and butter.
Is the macrobiotic diet safe?
Several questions arose as the development of a macrobiotic diet among celebrities. The question is, whether the macrobiotic diet is really good for health?
American Cancer Society states that a macrobiotic diet is too low in protein and calorie levels are not enough to help cancer patients recover faster post-surgery or chemotherapy.
It is quite reasonable considering the macrobiotic diet is not recommended to consume meat and dairy products as the biggest source of protein. If you aim to increase muscle mass then your chances of success are pretty slim.
Provision of food is always fresh ingredients is likely to become the next obstacle in the midst of a never-ending for macrobiotic dieters.
But on the other hand, this diet can provide a low-calorie food choices that can help you lose weight. In addition, the carbohydrate source is offered in the macrobiotic diet is a complex carbohydrate (slowly digested) that can help you full longer and prevents you from overeating.
So, if you're interested in trying a macrobiotic diet should first consult with your doctor to find out if this diet suits your needs, or just because you want to follow the trend alone.
