Macrobiotic regime: the advantages and disadvantages of eating the Zen way

We talked to the experts to learn what exactly the macrobiotic diet and how does that affect the body.


Newton's third law declares that each action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In ancient Chinese philosophy, this concept is called Yin and Yang. According toOld Encyclopedia History, everything in the universe has a polar, but inseparable opposite. Without one or the other, there would be no balance - in nature, in society and, above all, in the human body. It is thought that the most optimal way to reach balance in mind and mind is to start with the body. This is where the macrobiotic regime could be useful.

Alex C. Wilson, a specialist in Ayurveda, a well-being coach and a yoga instructor at Alex C. Wilson Wellness, indicates that the macrobiotic regime is rooted in theAyurvedic Belief that food should be treated as a medicine, and eating in some ways "will bring health and balance" into the body. It's a natural way and based on the nature of eating derived fromZen Buddhism.

"The objective of eating a macrobiotic regime according to ZEN Buddhism is to bring balance to the qualities of Yin and Yang - alias the opposing forces - which exist in everything, including the human body," says Wilson. In order to do so, a person who follows the macrobiotic regime would be only "consuming whole foods naturally from the area in which they live, while eliminating the consumption of landanimal products. "The final goal is to harmonize the balance of Yin and Yang, while also aligning nature.

What foods should you eat on a macrobiotic diet?

In brief: it depends.

In general, a macrobiotic regime consists of organic,plants (ideally in season) Foods that arelow fat, the rich foods infiber, andcomplex carbohydrates, says Jonathan Clintthorne, responsible for dietitian and nutrition recorded forSimpperProtein.

"The macrobiotic regime is mainly based onwhole grains, vegetables and legumes. Vegetables account for 25% to 35% of daily diet admission, focusing on a variety comprising green, round and root vegetables, explains the client.

However, what specific foods you eat will depend on where you live. Indeed, the macrobiotic regime rests strongly on foods at the local origin, so if something is shipped to another country, it is probably not approved by macrobiotic, says Wilson. Otherwise, things likefish and algae, whole grains,legumesVegetables, fermented soy products, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds will all be staples in a person's diet.

What are the benefits of following a macrobiotic regime?

It supports your physical health.

The macrobiotic regime ultimately requires the elimination ofProcessed foods and considerably reduce refined grains and sugars. For this reason, a person following the macrobiotic regime will be likely to undergo weight loss, as well as a reduced risk of developing pre-diabetes and type II diabetes, explains Clintthorne.

Clintthorne also notes that by increasing your intake of vegetables, and so the level ofantioxidants, Food fiber, andmicronutrients In your diet, you can "reduce your risk of cancer and improve your cardiovascular health." However, while theAmerican Institute for Cancer Research and theGlobal Cancer Research Fund Reported that eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables (precisely, about 250 grams at 400 grams a day) could potentially lead to 20% less cancer cases around the world in 1997, there is little scientific evidence to maintain that the rest of a macrobiotic regime can processCancer.

It is an anti-inflammatory regime.

During a study published in the newspaperNutrition and Cancer Back in September 2015, researchers found the macrobiotic diet to be significantly moreanti-inflammatory than the standard American regime. Indeed, the macrobiotic regime is composed mainly of fruits, vegetables and whole-inflammatory grains that nourish, rather than irritating the body.

RELATED: Your guide on the anti-inflammatory regime This heals your intestine, slows the signs of aging and helps you lose weight.

This encourages a stronger spiritual spirit, a body and spiritual connection.

To get good health, a person must start a kind of chain reaction in the body. Think about it: when you feel very mentally, you feel physically, and vice versa, right? Therefore, a person capable of achieving and maintaining balance in the body will finally feel balanced mentally, as well as spiritually located Wilson says.

"The most important thing to remember is that your diet should let your body feel good. Nothunger, not private, not sick, or something else that could distract you from the experience of the bliss of the spiritual connection. "

It teaches you to be attentive to your consumption and cooking habits.

One thing that differentiates the macrobiotic diets of traditional diets is its connection to nature. Eliminate some foods is only part of the package, "said Clintthorne. On the other side is to be aware of your environment, the climate in which you live and the types of foods that thrive in these climates.

For example, in a temperate climate, Clintthorn says that foods to avoid understand things like meat, animal fat, dairy, chocolate, tropical fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, peppers, Asparagus and lawyer, as well as hot spices and strong alcoholic beverages. At the same time, a person should also found their food choices on the status of their health. Together, these feeding methods can promote a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, the macrobiotic regime also teaches you to be conscientious about how you cook your food.

"Because the macrobiotic regime is to be aligned with the nature, the way you cook your food is important," Wilson. Unfortunately, it means cooking in themicrowave is usually fried, but simply because a home appliance is outside, the preparation of your food should no longer be a frustrating process. In fact, it is strongly encouraged that cooking is done as simple and stressless as possible.

"The cooking experience itself is supposed to be peaceful and simple," says Wilson. "If you are considering a macrobiotic diet, ideally, you should have access to a grill or gas stove so that you can cook on a naked flame. In addition, you should avoid cooking, eating or storing from the foodPlastic. "

He teaches you to eat intuitively.

According to Clintthorne, a major behavioral component to the macrobiotic system learns tointuitively eating. In other words, eat only when you are hungry and you stop when you are full.

It is easier to say than to do, which is why it is suggested that these follow a macrobiotic regime eat consciously and carefully ", by chewing each bite at least 50 times", to allow digestion. Maximum food, says Clintthorne. It is also recommended to individuals to preferably eat for three hours before bedtime, he adds.

Are there potential negative side effects on the macrobiotic regime?

You have heard the phrase "too much of something is never a good thing?" Conversely, too little of something is never a good thing, either.

Originally, the macrobiotic regime was completelyvegan diet, Clintthorne says. And as some people find very difficult to have enough protein on a vegan diet, the macrobiotic regime has been considered very restrictive, resulting in a lack of essential vitamins, such asvitamins of andB12And nutrients, like calcium. This can also lead to an increased risk ofmalnutrition.

How can you start tracking the macrobiotic regime?

The key to the transition from a standard American diet to the macrobiotic regime is to do so gradually and intentionally. Before plunging the headfall in the macrobiotic regime, Wilson first suggests trying to limit processed foods not recommended for foods,refined sugarsand animal products - in your diet.

From there, "approach the diet intuitively," she says. In other words: listen to your body.

"If you notice that the elimination of certain foods is more harmful than useful," says Wilson, "do not eliminate them."

Before you change your diet significantly, talk to your doctor or nutritionist to make sure the macrobiotic plan is right for you.


Categories: Healthy Eating
Tags: diet
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