The Macrobiotic Diet plan has been gaining
popularity and awareness with the general public over the past
year. With hundreds of diet plans to choose from, the
premise of the macrobiotic diet is centered on the principals of
harmony - extending balance to your diet through simplicity.
The foundation of the macrobiotic diet is that
following a simple diet, primarily grains and vegetables that
are low fat, very high in fiber, and low calorie will extend
life and can even combat illness. There are even some
report claims of the macro biotic diet curing ailments such as
heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
The restrictive nature of the diet, originally
promoted by the japanese educator george ohsawa in the 1920's includes
restricting your diet along a very rigid scale - only whole
grains and select vegetables. Barley, buckwheat, and rye
are fine, but white bread and vegetables that aren't steamed are
essentially out. Exquisite care to food preparation must
be followed, and the macrobiotic diet can be tough for many to
follow when outside the conveniences of home.
Overall, the premise of the macrobiotic diet
does have some merit. Avoiding carbs, focus on fresh
vegetables, and attention to preparation are sensible steps.
However the absolute restrictions imposed are too strict for
most to realistically follow, and health claims of disease
fighting abilities are unsubstantiated. We also don't see
a solid managed online health plan, meaning followers may be
left to their own vices to follow, coordinate, and manage their
diet plan.
Our recommendation is to either be extremely
willing to adhere to the strict macrobiotic diet plan and 'go it
alone' with virtually no help -- or go with an established
comparable diet plan. Our top rated online diet plans are
from
eDiets and
South Beach
Diet -- both of which follow some
similar tenants noted above but provide robust support,
guidelines, and have a proven reputable track record of success.
We also like the
Bob Greene
Diet program.
