Eating a macrobiotic diet is not for everyone. People who have heard of it may associate it with brown rice and little else. Unlike many diets that dictate what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat, the macrobiotic diet is both a diet and a philosophy.

Part of an Eastern belief system, macrobiotic translates to "great life" and is associated with yin and yang or contrasting properties. It is founded on the belief that what and how one eats is directly related to health, wellness, and happiness.

Popularized in the United States by Michio Kushi, some of the principles of macrobiotic eating include:

- Diet (this may vary slightly depending on geographic region):

◦ 50% whole grains
◦ 25% seasonal vegetables (cooked or raw)
◦ 10% protein foods, with an emphasis on fish and legumes
◦ 5% sea vegetables (nori or seaweed)
◦ 5% soups
◦ 5% fruit, nuts, or seeds
◦ The above foods are considered in balance, and neither too yin or yang

- No microwave use is allowed

- Individuals following diet should eat slowly and chew food thoroughly

- Macrobiotic principles avoid feeling over full

- Seasonal eating is promoted - eating what is local or regional and in season dictates much of the philosophy; for example:

◦ In the spring and summer, lighter foods are consumed and prepared lightly steamed or raw
◦ In the winter and fall, heavier foods like root vegetables are emphasized
◦ Foods differ, depending on where one lives in the world
◦ Extremely yin foods, which are considered to have negative effects, are avoided; these include:
◦ Sugar
◦ Alcohol
◦ Honey
◦ Coffee
◦ Chocolate
◦ Refined flour
◦ Hot spices
◦ Drugs
◦ Chemicals
◦ Preservatives
◦ Processed dairy products
◦ Some vegetable oils

- Extremely yang foods also are avoided; these include:

◦ Poultry
◦ Meat
◦ Eggs
◦ Refined salt

A link exists between following a macrobiotic diet and cancer prevention. However, no evidence shows that following a macrobiotic diet will cure cancer, and much of the research is controversial. Still, it is often a prescribed approach in cancer therapy.

People who deal with celiac disease and gluten intolerance also are sometimes directed to the macrobiotic diet. For those interested in using this diet to manage disease, it is necessary to closely monitor nutrition, because improper adherence to the plan may result in deficiencies of calcium, zinc, protein, iron, vitamin B12, and calories.

Following the macrobiotic diet requires a philosophical commitment, as well as a dietary commitment. People who are interested in learning more should investigate the work of Michio and Aveline Kushi. Excerpts from their book are available at: http://books.google.com/books?id=tQE2P38IJjAC&dq=macrobiotic+diet&pg=PP1&ots=PJNYQA1vT4&sig=HLwZZJe1E0cXzq8U4ypsDQK7tSo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result#PPP1,M1

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