Macrobiotic diet - A new way to manage your hormones
Have you thought about trying a new form of weight loss recently? If you have, try the macrobiotic diet. This is a low fat and high fiber regime that is predominantly a vegetarian diet. It emphasizes whole grains and vegetables.
People who seek a healthy way of eating and living are drawn to the macrobiotic diet. This way of life integrates physical, spiritual, and planetary health into one healthy lifestyle.
The words “macrobiotic diet” come from Greek roots meaning “long life”. The macrobiotic diet and philosophy were developed by a Japanese educator named George Oshawa, who believed that simplicity was the key to optimal health. The regime Oshawa recommended included ten progressively restrictive stages. The last stage of the plan consisted only of brown rice and water. Due to its extreme restrictions, this version of the macrobiotic diet is no longer recommended by dietary counselors.
Because low fat and high fiber diets are often recommended for cancer and other chronic diseases, the macrobiotic diet has been used extensively by people with these conditions.
The phytoestrogen content may be protective and reduce the risk of estrogen-related cancers such as breast cancer. However, there is not enough research to clarify whether the macrobiotic diet is effective in cancer treatment and prevention.
People with serious medical conditions such as cancer and AIDS should always seek proper medical care. Some people with such diseases try this regime because they have heard it can cure their disease, but research has not substantiated these claims.
What are the guidelines for the macrobiotic diet?
- Whole grains-50-60% of every meal
- Soup-1-2 cups or bowls per day
- Vegetables-25-30% of daily food intake
- Beans-10% of daily food intake
- Animal products-Small amount of fish or seafood several times per week
- Seeds and Nuts-In moderation
- Local Fruit-Several times per week
- Desserts-In moderation, 2-3 times per week
- Cooking Oil- Use unrefined vegetable oil
- Condiments and Seasonings- In moderation
The macrobiotic diet emphasizes the foods that tend to be lacking in the North American diet- fiber-rich whole grains, vegetables, and beans. It is low in saturated fat and high in phytoestrogens, which may help to balance a woman’s hormones and help with menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and prevention of breast cancer and endometriosis.
This regime is considered by some nutritionists to be too restrictive and lacking in certain nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, and calcium. Lack of energy may result from inadequate protein.
Try this new way of life to see if it can help balance your hormones. Your body just may thank you for it.