Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics emphasizes locally and organically grown whole grain cereals, pulses (legumes), vegetables, fruit, seaweed, and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between Yin and Yang properties.

Grains are emphasized, particularly brown rice, which, when chewed thoroughly, has a good balance of Yin and Yang properties. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature (e.g. very sweet foods, dairy products) or extremely Yang in nature (e.g. very salty foods, red meat, coffee) are consumed rarely if ever. The Yin/Yang properties of food are determined by: the acidity of the food, where the food grows (root vegetables versus fruit from tree tops), as well as the area to where the food is native, and the color, shape, flavor, and moisture content of the food.