The Macrobiotic Diet Menu – What To Include And What To Avoid


The macrobiotic diet menu is gaining much popularity as it is said to increase the lifespan of an individual. No wonder patients suffering from serious health ailments such as cancer, AIDS, and heart disease are turning to this diet plan instead of opting for traditional forms of treatment.

The word macrobiotics is synonymous with the longevity of life. For centuries, a macrobiotic diet menu has been regarded as an effective strategy for leading a long and healthy life, as it is in complete harmony with nature. Here’s a list of foods that are permitted in this menu and a list of those that aren’t.

macrobiotic diet menu
People with major ailments like Aids and cancer are turning to the macrobiotic diet menu as it is said to increase longevity.

Macrobiotic Diet Menu – Foods You Can Include In Your Diet

  • Whole Grains And Legumes

    Whole grains and legumes are permissible in the macrobiotic diet menu, as they are rich sources of B vitamins, selenium, fiber, and iron. If you’re following the macrobiotic diet plan, you’re required to get 60 percent of your total calorie intake from whole grains. The American Cancer Society notes that certain forms of this diet plan involve the intake of only cooked whole grains.

    Whole grains that are permitted in the macrobiotic diet menu include quinoa, popcorn, millet, pearled barley, long-grain brown rice, whole-wheat berries, steel-cut oats, and whole-grain corn. Legumes that can be eaten include split peas, lentils, kidney beans, and soybeans.

    An added advantage of whole grains and legumes is that they’re good sources of protein, which means they can replace animal protein sources, as these are restricted by the macrobiotic diet.

  • Seafood

    Seafood is permitted on the macrobiotic diet menu, in limited quantities. It contains significant amounts of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin D. It also contains good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in decreasing inflammation and preventing heart disease. Seafood permitted in the macrobiotic diet includes halibut, lake trout, salmon, tuna, flounder, clams, mussels, haddock, shrimp, and cod.

  • Fruits And Vegetables

    Fruits and vegetables are an important part of the macrobiotic diet menu, as these are composed of essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The macrobiotic diet permits the intake of fruits and vegetables such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard, peas, broccoli, apples, berries, cherries, mushrooms, and watercress. Add a variety of these fruits and vegetables to your menu for maximum nutritional benefits.

Macrobiotic Diet Menu – Foods You Must Stay Away From

  • Processed Foods And Refined Sugar

    Processed foods should be restricted or eliminated completely from your meal plan if you’re on a macrobiotic diet. Processed foods are those that have been altered from their natural form to add to their shelf life. Canned, frozen, and dehydrated foods are some common forms of processed foods. You should restrict the intake of foods that contain refined sugar and white flour, and replace refined grain products with whole grain ones.

  • Caffeine And Animal Products

    Foods containing caffeine are classified as extreme foods under the macrobiotic diet menu and must be avoided altogether. Common foods that contain caffeine include chocolate, soda, and coffee.

    macrobiotic diet foods
    Foods like coffee and soda are not considered macrobiotic diet foods, as they contain caffeine.

    The macrobiotic diet menu also rules out animal products such as red meat, dairy products, and poultry, as these are high in fat content.

If you’re starting with the macrobiotic diet, it might be a little confusing to figure out what to eat and what not to eat. But with this list that clearly defines the food categories that are permitted and the ones that are restricted by the macrobiotic diet menu, following this organic diet will definitely become much easier for you.


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