Macrobiotic Diet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The macrobiotic diet is more than just a diet; it is a true philosophy of life, dedicated to health and, consequently, to achieving longevity. It is based on the principles of healthy and balanced eating, with the promise of not only reaching an ideal weight but also living to an advanced age in good health.

Originating from Eastern culture, the macrobiotic diet views food as a medicine capable of acting on both the body and the mind, and it is founded on the two groups Yin and Yang. According to followers of the macrobiotic diet, achieving balance between these two opposing forces can be done through a specific type of diet. While it is necessary to limit Yin foods, which are considered debilitating and harmful to the body, it is essential to increase the intake of Yang foods, which can provide a valuable and tonifying burst of energy. But, to avoid mistakes, let’s see which foods are Yin and which are Yang.

The macrobiotic diet considers food as a medicine

Typically, Yin foods include all foods with an acidic taste, those that are excessively salty or too sweet, those that are particularly aromatic or contain high doses of potassium. Supporters of the macrobiotic diet are careful to avoid bringing honey, sugar, tropical fruits including bananas, watermelon, kiwi, plums, eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes, beets, and garlic to the table. The list continues with the ban on milk, beef, eggs, white bread, products derived from food processing, and those containing preservatives and chemical colourings.

So, what is left to eat? All Yang foods, which are moderately acidic, low in sweetness or salt, not very aromatic, and not very spicy. All different types of grains are recommended, as well as legumes, fish, seaweed, vegetables from organic farming, and steamed cooking, along with vitamins from groups A, B6, D, E, and K, but not C, which falls under Yin foods. Meat, unlike fish, is discouraged.

Naturally, the macrobiotic diet does not require the total exclusion of Yin foods but only their limitation, suggesting their consumption especially during the summer, while with the arrival of cold and winter, Yang foods should be preferred. In any case, any bite of food, whether Yin or Yang, should be chewed 50 times, and the menu, to be truly complete, should include legumes, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables seasoned with soy sauce or extra virgin olive oil.

Meat, unlike fish, is discouraged.

While it is considered important to use the right cooking methods, favouring steaming or baking, it is also necessary to avoid the intake of preserved or frozen foods, instead preferring fresh and seasonal ones. All meals should consist of 50% grains, provided they are whole, 20 to 30% seasonal vegetables to be consumed both cooked and raw, 20% fish, which should not be consumed every day, or legumes or soy patties. Finally, for the remaining 10%, fresh and dried fruits, seaweed, and desserts, but only those that do not contain sugars or dairy products, come into play.

We have selected some foods suitable for this diet for you

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]