Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics

• The term macrobiotic (long/large-life) was originally coined by Hippocrates.  George Osawa, and more recently Michio Kushi brought the Japanese influenced concepts of macrobiotics to Western society.
• The macrobiotic approach is based on the view that we are continually influenced by our total environment, which ranges from the foods we eat and our daily social interactions to the climate and geography in which we live.
• The diet is seen more as a set of guidelines versus a strict regimen to be followed.
• Some traditional and basic macrobiotic practices include eating more whole grains, beans and fresh vegetables, increasing variety in food selections and traditional cooking methods, eating regularly and less in quantity, chewing more and maintaining an active and positive life and mental outlook.
•  Recommended beverages include roasted bancha twig tea, stem tea, roasted brown rice tea, roasted barley tea, dandelion root tea, and   cereal grain coffee.  Any traditional tea that does not have an aromatic fragrance or a stimulating effect can also be used.  When drinking water, spring or good quality well water is recommended, without ice.
• Cooking oil should be vegetable quality only.  To improve your health, it is preferable to use only unrefined   sesame or corn oil in moderate amounts.
• Macrobiotics generally suggests to eliminate most meat, animal fat, eggs, poultry, dairy products(including butter, yogurt, ice cream, milk and cheese), refined sugars, chocolate, molasses, honey, other simple sugars and foods treated with them, vanilla, tropical or semi-tropical fruits and fruit juices, soda, artificial drinks and beverages, coffee, colored tea, and all aromatic stimulating teas such as mint or peppermint tea,  All artificially colored, preserved, sprayed, or chemically treated foods, all refined and polished grains, flours and their derivatives, mass- produced industrialized food including all canned, frozen, and irradiated foods, hot spices, any aromatic stimulating food or food accessory, artificial vinegar, and strong alcoholic beverages.
• Macrobiotic Lifestyle Suggestions include to eat only when hungry, chew food around 50 times or more per mouthful, eat in an orderly and relaxed manner, sit with a good posture and take a moment to express gratitude for the food, eat regularly two or three times per day, leave the table satisfied but not full, drink liquids moderately, only when thirsty.
• Retire before midnight and avoid eating at least 2 to 3 hours before sleeping.
• Wash as needed, but avoid long hot baths or showers which deplete the body of minerals.
• Use cosmetics and cleaning products that are made from natural, nontoxic ingredients.  Avoid chemically-perfumed products.  For teeth care, brush with natural preparations.
• As much as possible, wear cotton clothing, especially for undergarments. Avoid wearing synthetic or woolen clothing directly on the skin. Avoid wearing excessive accessories on the fingers, wrists, neck, or any other   part of the body.
• Spend time outdoors, walk on the grass, beach or soil up to one half hour every day.   Spend some time in direct sunlight.  Exercise regularly with walking, yoga, martial arts, dance, etc.
• Include some large green plants in the home to freshen and enrich the oxygen content of the air. Open   windows daily to permit fresh air to circulate, even in cold weather.
• Keep your home in good order, especially the areas where food is prepared and served.
• Avoid using electric cooking devices (ovens and ranges) or microwave ovens.  The use of a gas or wood stove is preferred.
• Use earthenware, cast iron, or stainless steel cookware rather than aluminum or Teflon-coated pots.
• Minimize the frequent use of television and computer display units. When using a computer, protect yourself   from potentially harmful electromagnetic fields with a protective shield over the screen and other safety devices.
• Sing a song!