Macro machines
Adam ZachariasCity Times delves into the macrobiotic lifestyle to discover the health and beauty benefits of eating naturally
Far from being the latest fat-shedding fad, the macrobiotic diet finds its roots in the teachings of Hippocrates.
Translated from Greek, “macrobiotic” means “long life”. The diet, which counts Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow among its devoted followers, promotes the consumption of foods from the earth.
Leafy green vegetables, beans and grains are all encouraged, while processed foods and meat are crossed off the menu. It also addresses how you eat, with an emphasis on chewing thoroughly to aid digestion.
The diet was resurrected in its modern format by a Japanese man named George Ohsawa, who apparently cured himself of a serious disease simply by altering his diet.
Low in fat and high in fibre, the macrobiotic lifestyle is shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. On a more immediate level, it is said to make your hair, skin and eyes sparkle.
To further enlighten both ourselves and you, the loyal reader, we turned to a specialist – Dr. Farooq Ashraf from the Atlanta Vision Clinic in Jumeirah.
Junk foods are incredibly high in fats, which can take as little as a few days to reflect in your skin and eyes. High fatty diets limit the body’s ability to function optimally, meaning that cell regeneration becomes inhibited. This means that when your body is trying to process large amounts of fats, it neglects other day-to-day regeneration functions, which show up noticeably in the skin and eyes. The skin becomes dull in colour and appears more aged, and your eyes will appear puffy and glassy. With prolonged junk food diets your hair will eventually reflect this reckless eating too; it will thin out and become dull and brittle.
Why has the macrobiotic diet become so popular among the rich and famous?
In Hollywood it is essential to be young; as soon as a star’s youth fades so do they. Luckily for them, the macrobiotic diet assists with this. The macrobiotic diet is nothing new – people have practised it for thousands of years. It was just forgotten with the introduction of mass production of junk foods. The rich and famous choose this diet because it not only keeps their weight under wraps, it also genuinely preserves their youth.
I’m neither rich nor famous (yet). Could I afford to follow the macrobiotic diet?
Absolutely. The macrobiotic diet is based on the principles of eating fresh, whole grain foods. All the foods recommended in the diet are items that can be bought at your local grocery store. The diet should not affect your spend on food, if anything it should actually decrease your spend.
But wouldn’t it be really inconvenient for those of us with a busy lifestyle?
A few subtle changes to your planning will ensure that even on a busy day you can follow the macrobiotic diet. By planning your meals the night before, you can save money and enjoy wholesome food that will give you heaps of energy through out the day. There is absolutely no reason why a macrobiotic diet cannot be followed and enjoyed by even the busiest of people.
Why is it important to chew and swallow your food correctly?
Chewing your food is actually the first part of digestion. The motion of chewing gets the gastric acids in your stomach flowing in preparation for the food moving down the oesophagus and into the stomach. Chewing also stimulates your saliva glands, which then begin secreting saliva to facilitate swallowing and also to begin breaking down complex carbohydrates into sugars. By not chewing properly your stomach will not be in a state to digest food efficiently and often a person will experience stomach pains and bloating. Food that is not chewed correctly will also inhibit the absorption of all the vitamins and minerals that food has to offer. And lastly, by not chewing properly it will often result in a person overeating, as they do not allow the stomach enough time to register that it is full.
What is the correct way to swallow food?
When you are chewing your food, make sure that every mouthful is completely broken up in your mouth before swallowing. This way, you will prevent uncomfortable stomach cramping and be more aware of how much you have eaten.
What are your top tips for maintaining healthy eyesight?
Healthy eyes can be maintained through a balanced, wholesome diet like the macrobiotic diet. All vegetables are a must have when it comes to bodily functions working optimally. In terms of eye protection, ensure that the sunglasses you wear are well protected from UV rays. Often cheaper sunglasses look good but offer little or no protection, which can result in permanent damage to your eyes.
For more information on The Atlanta Vision Clinic, visit www.atlantavision2020.com or call 04 348 6233.
· 6 or more servings of vegetables and fruits (at least 1 cup of dark green and 1 cup of orange vegetables per week)
· 3 or more servings of whole grains
· 4 to 6 ounces of meat, poultry or seafood (or bean equivalents)
· 5 to 7 teaspoons of oils
· 1 ounce of nuts