The macrobiotic diet is a diet plan that consists mainly of fruits, vegetables and healthy grains. Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, coffee and junk food are not allowed on a macrobiotic diet.
Some of the roots of a macrobiotic diet are based in Buddhist philosophy and according to this system of thinking the focus is on leaving out harmful toxins from your body for better health. The bulk of the food you’ll eat on a macrobiotic diet would be whole grains but next to these you’ll consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.
The macrobiotic diet extends even to the cookware you use. Standard macrobiotic foods should be generally cooked in pots made of ceramic, glass, and wood.
Good Macrobiotic Foods For Breakfast
One idea is to prepare rice cereal or oatmeal since they are both sufficient to have for breakfast on this diet. Buckwheat pancakes are also good to have for a macrobiotic breakfast since buckwheat is gluten free and it is just as good as pancakes that do not contain buckwheat. Instead of coffee you can drink a fruit smoothie for breakfast. A tofu and vegetable mixture makes for a good breakfast on a macrobiotic diet.
Ginger Juice, A Macrobiotic Alternative to Soft Drinks
If you’re on a macrobiotic diet and need an alternative to soft drinks, ginger juice is a good choice. Ginger contains plenty of potassium and this is important in helping you build muscles and metsbolizing proteins in the body. Ginger juice is also high in niacin and the body needs niacin to process fats properly. Niacin in ginger juice also boosts your immune system along with vitamin C.
Macrobiotic Lifestyle
The macrobiotic lifestyle goes beyond what you eat; it is also designed to affect other parts of your routine. To get the best benefits of the macrobiotic life you should only eat when you’re hungry and when eating you should chew slowly for proper digestion. Avoid eating three hours before bedtime and stay away from long baths because this reduces retaining of minerals in the body. Use only cosmetics and toiletries made from organic ingredients.
Don’t Deep Fry Your Food
The macrobiotic diet doesn’t consist of animal proteins but if you love vegetables, it is not a good idea to deep fry them because this removes important nutrients from the vegetables and fried foods are high in calories. Also avoid smothering your grains and vegetables in thick sauces because this takes away from the natural tastes of the foods. Steam or boil your vegetables and grains and use herbs and other spices besides salt.
Carrot And Daikon Beverage
Another popular drink among macrobiotics dieters is a homemade carrot and daikon beverage. Daikon is an Asian root vegetable with a taste and look that resembles radishes. To make this beverage you will
put a half cup of water in a saucepan and then you will add a cup each of carrots and daikon to the water. After 20 to 30 minutes strain the carrots and daikon from the saucepan then add two teaspoons of honey, three teaspoons of lemon juice and two teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Conclusion
The macrobiotic diet may seem like just another boring meal plan but in fact it is more of a way of life that includes the foods you eat. To take the boredom out of your meal preparation, add several types of spices and natural sweeteners. Don’t cook your food for too long and when possible, eat certain foods raw.