Macrobiotic Diet Plan

Macrobiotic diet encourages you to eat a diet that contains whole grains, cereals, and vegetables rather than processed foods. Whole foods are known to be healthier.

The Macrobiotic Diet
                                                     
Macrobiotic diet aims to change both the way you eat and the way you live. The diet encourages eating wholesome organic foods, meditation and slowing down your lifestyle.

The macrobiotic diets have several principles of Buddhism in it, and advocates simple eating plan that excludes dairy products, meats, and fatty foods which are believed to have certain toxic effects on your body. While you are on this diet about half of your calories should come from whole grains, and the rest from other healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and soups. You can eat white fish, nuts, seeds, pickles, Asian condiments, and certain teas occasionally. Vegetables, like potatoes, tomatoes, asparagus, and avocados, should be avoided. As foods are considered sacred in macrobiotic diet you should cook your food in a peaceful environment, in pots made of materials like wood, glass, and stainless steel. Use of microwave or electricity has to be avoided.

However the diet is not a potion of magic for weight loss. Like any other diet it has certain benefits and drawbacks. If you practice macrobiotic diet in a healthy way it is beneficial but if poorly planned it can have risks as well.

Macrobiotic Diet: The Pros

•  As macrobiotic diets advocates eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which are healthy--- the diet is considered healthy. It is well known these foods in your diet can improve your health.

• Risk of certain disease like cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer is reduced by eating low-fat, high-fiber diet.

Macrobiotic Diet: The Cons

• Some people can develop deficiency of nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D if the foods are poorly selected. If your diet is properly planned your entire nutrient requirement can be met by macrobiotic diets.

• A major shortcoming of this diet is that it limits a number of healthful foods, like avocados, dairy products, and eggs. A very strict diet can take the pleasure out of eating.

• If you have a major disease like cancer consult your physician before going on macrobiotic diet as the unintended weight loss can be a dangerous.

• Macrobiotic diets discourage supplementation. This may make meeting your entire nutrient requirement (for vitamin and mineral) difficult.

Macrobiotic diets are healthy way of eating as it encourages diet rich in wholesome foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables). But it limits several healthful foods, like avocados, dairy products, and eggs. Hence you should make proper selection of foods so that your nutritional requirement is met. If needed consult a dietitian before starting macrobiotic diet.