Macrobiotics is the practice of a more natural diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber and low in protein, sugars, and fats, with the major part of the diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
History of the healing form

The term macrobiotics is Greek for "great life" and dates back to and perhaps before the days of Hippocrates, the Greek physician, who felt that diet brought the body in balance while illness was an imbalance of the body. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Galen also advocated the use of vegetables and grains in one's diet to stay healthy and ward off diseases. During the 15th century, French physician Rabelais and later in the 18th century German doctor Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland both wrote books about macrobiotics and their benefits to the body. It was through the teachings of George Ohsawa that macrobiotics came to the United States. While a young boy in Japan, Ohsawa contracted tuberculosis and was told there was no cure. By accident, he came upon a book written by Sagen Ishizuka, M.D., on the curative powers of macrobiotics. Within a relatively short time of starting this diet of brown rice and vegetables, he was totally cured. Ohsawa devoted his life's work to refining the principles of macrobiotics and to making these principles of diet known worldwide. The formula for a sound and healthy macrobiotic diet is simple and easy to follow.
What the diet consists of

The following is a breakdown of the recommended daily percentages of each food category:

* Whole Grains should constitute 40 to 60 % of the diet
* Vegetables should be in the 20-25 % range
* Legumes and dried beans 5-10 %
* Soups of the vegetable and whole grain variety at 5 %
* Fish, fruit, seafood, nuts, unsalted seeds and unprocessed sugar desserts "occasionally".

Grains may be taken in the form of breads, pastries and noodles, cereals or any other form you like; they should consist of rye, wild rice, whole wheat , barley, oats, millet, corn and buckwheat. Any vegetables are good, and they may be seasoned with sea salt, kelp, miso, ginger, vinegar, or garlic to name a few.

It is highly recommended that you choose vegetables that are fresh and locally grown. Frozen foods are not recommended as they may contain additives or chemicals. Dried beans, while considered a vegetable, are in a separate category and must be taken as a separate food group when preparing meals. Cravings for desserts can be satisfied by using whole grains for cookies, pies, cakes and other baked goods, along with fresh fruits that do not contain processed (refined) sugar.

Most macrobiotic practitioners feel that this healthy diet, in combination with exercise and meditation, helps to strengthen bodies to allow a life of peace, harmony and tranquility.