When you are looking to change your eating habits, lifestyle, health and weight there are many diets that you should consider.
George Ohsawa, who preached that a simple lifestyle produces positive health benefits, created the microbiotic diet. The diet consisted of ten restrictive phases, forcing the dieter to exert a great deal of self-control.
For example, in the final phase of the microbiotic diet, the dieter consumes only brown rice and water. Diet planners no longer recommend this earlier version of the microbiotic diet because of its extreme restriction.
Well being
The microbiotic diet appeals to some because it not only focuses on a dieter’s physical well-being, but also deals with spiritual and planetary aspects of health.
The microbiotic way of dieting is low in fat, as well as high in fiber. Vegetarians can easily follow this diet as the diet emphasizes vegetables and whole grains.
The microbiotic diet requires low amounts of sugar, dairy items, and meat.
soy products
Soy products are also an integral part of the diet as they contain phytoestrogens, believed to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, menopause as well as some types of cancer. This is the reason why patients suffering from cancer or other chronic diseases follow this strict regimen.
Phytoestrogens may also prove beneficial in the prevention of estrogen-related cancers, such as breast cancer. It is important not to confuse this healthy way of eating with the treatment of serious medical conditions and diseases.
Whole grains
When following a microbiotic diet, 50–60% of each meal will consist of whole grains, including brown rice, barley, millet, rye, corn, and buckwheat. This diet allows occasional meals with rolled oats, noodles, pasta, bread or baked products.
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Every day, 1 to 2 bowls or cups of soup are required. It is suggested that a dieter choose shoyu or miso, which contain fermented soybeans.
vegetables
Vegetables make up 25-30% of the daily diet, where 1/3 of vegetables should be eaten raw. Boiling, steaming, baking or frying any other vegetable portion should be prepared.
beans
10% of the daily food intake should be cooked beans. Bean products such as tofu or tempeh can also be eaten.
cooking oil
The most common cooking oil used when preparing food is dark sesame oil. Additional oils to consider include light sesame oil, corn oil, as well as mustard seed oil.
in flavoring
Natural sea salt, shoyu, brown rice vinegar, grated ginger root, fermented pickles, toasted sesame seeds and chopped coriander are some of the seasonings that can be used to add flavor to foods.
When it comes to animal byproducts on a microbiotic diet, a small amount of fish or seafood is acceptable each week.
Dieters should stay away from eggs, dairy, meat and poultry.
When eating fish or seafood, microbiotic dieters should consume horseradish, wasabi, ginger, or mustard to aid in the detoxification process against the effects of seafood.
Other foods allowed on the microbiotic diet include moderate consumption of seeds or nuts, as well as desserts such as applesauce and dry food.
Dieters should not consume sugar, honey, jaggery, chocolate or carob.
Fruit
Several times a week, the diet allows fruits such as pears, peaches, apricots, grapes, berries and melons. Avoid tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.
Microbiotic diets can be tailored to fit individuals based on their age, gender, health concerns, as well as climatic and seasonal factors.
Side effects
There are some side effects associated with this diet. Some nutrients from this diet are not absorbed by the body, such as protein, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium and calcium. This can affect a dieter by reducing their energy levels as well as giving rise to health complications.
Some nutritionists resent this diet because they feel it is too restrictive.
