The Essence of Macrobiotic Diets
The simple fundamental of macrobiotic diets are in understanding the essence of foods and cooking. This knowledge will give you an insight into the foods and their values, thereby enabling you to make wiser food choices.
Foods that are to be strictly avoided include processed and refined foods, saturated fats, red meats, eggs and dairy foods. On the other hand, whole grains, vegetables, beans, fruits and nuts are considered blessings.
Firstly to choose the appropriate foods for this diet, then the added emphasis is given to the way foods are cooked. Steaming, sauteing, pressure cooking and baking, stewing and boiling are the different ways that foods are commonly cooked. Each method of cooking gives out a certain energy and character to the food. A combination of the foods chosen and the way that they are cooked can either help harmonise the body, or bring about chaos.
During summers, where the body needs natural fibers and foods, and should feel light, leafy vegetables and fruits are great, when steamed or cooked very lightly. On the contrary, during winters foods can be cooked more elaborately, and heavier foods may prove to be better choices.
Chosing the right combination of different foods is also important. Not only in terms of nutritive value in giving the body complete balanced foods, but also in terms of the value foods impart. All tastes, elements and types must be incorporated in correct quantities to be able to bring about a balance in the food that is eaten. This is important in giving holistic goodness from the food eaten, and also prevents aggarvation of any of the body elements.
The simple point that underlies all the determinants of the macrobiotic diet is the energy that each element of the food imparts to the body and mind. The character of foods, and the medium and form they are consumed in contribute to making the body and mind what they are.
