If you are interested in learning about Macrobiotics, here is a tiny introduction…
WHAT IS MACROBIOTICS?
Macrobiotics is a philosophy that studies the forces of Yin and Yang in the universe, how they relate to all life, and how humans can improve their lives through wisdom of balance and change in our world.
CAN MACROBIOTICS CURE CANCER?
There are thousands of documented cases of people with “incurable” diseases including cancer, that have been completely cured through Macrobiotics. Because it espouses a mostly vegan diet, with organic foods, better chewing and more intention on natural foods and lifestyle, it aligns with many other philosophies that have also had success. It also can have an impact on our satisfaction, productivity, and help us clean up the planet.
HOW CAN I TRY MACROBIOTICS?
There are several Macrobiotic restaurants throughout the country, in places like L.A., Chicago, NY and even Waltham MA (Masao’s Kitchen on Moody Street). Or pick up a book, and hit Whole Foods.
WHAT FOODS DO MACROBIOTIC PEOPLE TRY TO AVOID?
Foods that are acid-forming, very contracting (yang), very expanding (yin), or highly processed are to be avoided, as well as those out of season and out of climate. In addition, pesticides and other chemicals should be avoided. This includes most animal foods (except occasional white meat fish), dairy foods, eggs, fast foods, and snack foods.
Examples:
Corned Beef-high in fat, sodium and nitrates, as well as pesticides, and contains meat from poorly treated animals, and sent across many miles at great environmental cost. The suffering of the animal does tend to enter our bodies, believe it or not.
Diet Soda-loaded with chemicals, this has no redeeming value at all. Strive to drink mostly clean water, with occasional twig tea, amasake, beer and sake, and limit drinking later in the day.
Peppers, Tomatoes, Potatoes, Spinach, Eggplant-these are better than the above, but are acid-forming (yin), so they promote osteoporosis and other problems in the body. Look to onions, green cabbage, broccoli, spinach, winter squash, carrots and kale, as well as dozens of other vegetables instead.
WHAT ARE SOME MACROBIOTIC STAPLES TO PICK UP?
Top 12:
1) Sea vegetables such as wakame, nori and kombu
2) SI or similar unprocessed white sea salt
3) Umeboshi plums, paste and vinegar
4) Miso, Tofu and tempeh
5) Beans such as Azuki, Black beans and Garbanzo beans
6) Lotus and burdock root
7) Sesame Oil and Toasted Sesame Oil, as well as sesame seeds
8) A good flat knife
9) Wood utensils such as a spoon, spatula and chopsticks
10) High quality Shoyu (Japanese made soy sauce)
11) Short grain Brown Rice
12) Dried shiitake mushrooms
Next time we’ll talk about balancing meals and your condition!
Meanwhile, the book, Macrobiotics For Dummies, is now out, through Wiley, and for sale on Amazon et al. It’s pretty good, not a bad place to start.
