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The Macrobiotic Way: The Definitive Guide to Macrobiotic Living
The third edition of the "bible" of the macrobiotic movement.
Originally published in 1985, The Macrobiotic Way is a classic in its field. It is the definitive guide to macrobiotics, an approach to diet and lifestyle that promotes both inner peace and harmony with others and the environment through plant-based whole foods. Now updated, it covers not only the central dietary principles, nutrition, and foods but also cooking techniques, essentials for a macrobiotic kitchen, menus and recipes, along with exercise, life philosophy, home and lifestyle, and the role of macrobiotics in natural healing.
Originally published in 1985, The Macrobiotic Way is a classic in its field. It is the definitive guide to macrobiotics, an approach to diet and lifestyle that promotes both inner peace and harmony with others and the environment through plant-based whole foods. Now updated, it covers not only the central dietary principles, nutrition, and foods but also cooking techniques, essentials for a macrobiotic kitchen, menus and recipes, along with exercise, life philosophy, home and lifestyle, and the role of macrobiotics in natural healing.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
39 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Michio Kushi
202 books76 followersMichio Kushi (久司 道夫 Kushi Michio; born 1926 in Japan) helped to introduce modern macrobiotics to the United States in the early 1950s. He has lectured about philosophy, spiritual development, health, food and diseases at conferences and seminars all over the world.
Kushi received the Award of Excellence from the United Nations Society of Writers. In 1999, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History opened a permanent collection on macrobiotics and alternative health care in his name. The title of the collection is the "Michio and Aveline Kushi Macrobiotics Collection." It is located in the Archives Center.
Michio and his wife Aveline are founders of The Kushi Institute, now in Becket, Massachusetts.
For their "extraordinary contribution to diet, health and world peace, and for serving as powerful examples of conscious living", they were awarded the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award in Sherborn, Massachusetts on October 14, 2000.[1]
Kushi received the Award of Excellence from the United Nations Society of Writers. In 1999, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History opened a permanent collection on macrobiotics and alternative health care in his name. The title of the collection is the "Michio and Aveline Kushi Macrobiotics Collection." It is located in the Archives Center.
Michio and his wife Aveline are founders of The Kushi Institute, now in Becket, Massachusetts.
For their "extraordinary contribution to diet, health and world peace, and for serving as powerful examples of conscious living", they were awarded the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award in Sherborn, Massachusetts on October 14, 2000.[1]
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 8, 2015
This is a very interesting book about a lifestyle that, until recently, was entirely unknown to me. It is not just about nutrition, although that is perhaps the major component. It is also about cooking techniques, exercise and philosophy. It really is a complete way of life.
The nutritional advice emphasizes whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, and certain vegetables (but not all vegetables). The diet allows some fish, but no meat or poultry. The book contains a selection of recipes, with a very strong reliance on Japanese cooking. I don't know if the Japanese style of cooking is required by a macrobiotic diet--I suspect not--but that is the only style discussed in this book.
The exercises are mostly stretching exercises--not very strenuous, but the diagrams show a woman exhibiting a lot more flexibility than I could possibly muster! The benefits of each exercise are described in terms of relationships to acupuncture meridians. There is no attempt to document the scientific basis of any of the connections. Also, walking is very strongly encouraged as a wonderful exercise. No jogging, running, strength training, or any other type of strenuous exercise is included.
Some philosophy is also discussed, such as the dichotomy between yin and yang; I didn't quite follow the reasoning, nor did I understand the implications. A lot of theoretical philosophy is described that might have some experiential basis, but not detailed at all in this book.
This book opened my eyes to a totally different way of life. I agree with almost all of the nutritional advice. The philosophical aspects don't quite convince me, though.
The nutritional advice emphasizes whole grains, legumes, mushrooms, and certain vegetables (but not all vegetables). The diet allows some fish, but no meat or poultry. The book contains a selection of recipes, with a very strong reliance on Japanese cooking. I don't know if the Japanese style of cooking is required by a macrobiotic diet--I suspect not--but that is the only style discussed in this book.
The exercises are mostly stretching exercises--not very strenuous, but the diagrams show a woman exhibiting a lot more flexibility than I could possibly muster! The benefits of each exercise are described in terms of relationships to acupuncture meridians. There is no attempt to document the scientific basis of any of the connections. Also, walking is very strongly encouraged as a wonderful exercise. No jogging, running, strength training, or any other type of strenuous exercise is included.
Some philosophy is also discussed, such as the dichotomy between yin and yang; I didn't quite follow the reasoning, nor did I understand the implications. A lot of theoretical philosophy is described that might have some experiential basis, but not detailed at all in this book.
This book opened my eyes to a totally different way of life. I agree with almost all of the nutritional advice. The philosophical aspects don't quite convince me, though.
July 26, 2008
At first, I really got into this diet and followed it quite closely. I don't follow as much of the specifics anymore, but the general outline I believe has a lot of wisdom. Most of the long standing traditional diets from around the world could be fit into this diet and especially the healthiest ones!, especially the Hunzas, Chinese, especially Japanese (which this practice derived from), mexican, indian, Mediterranean, folk Europe and American. The main premises are to have whole grains be the staple of the diet and eat locally and seasonally. Also, to cook and eat with yin and yang in mind, that every food and cooking method has an energy to it that is contractive or expansive. One should be in balance for optimal functioning for a mind/body experience as of what we are. Like I said, there are some specifics I don't know how valid they are, they are debatable. I personally think though that the general outline of this diet, if more widely accepted, could help the world out so greatly. Just eating locally and generally in season would help global warming, fuel reserving, job creation, help stop exploiting of third world countries, give people self maintenance to not need much of pharmaceuticals and help with moods and spiritual well being even. That is just my opinion.
June 7, 2009
In the epilogue, Kushi says: "Macrobiotic theory is based on unity and wholeness, not division. The macrobiotic view recognizes that nature attempts to maintain harmony and balance. Health is seen as a natural result of balanced thinking, living, and eating. Societal health results when the members of an entire society live in harmony with the natural world."
I couldn't agree more. This is a great book for beginning macrobiotics. It was surprisingly easy to read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in following a macrobiotics lifestyle. It has good recipes in it both for healing remedies and for regular eating. In comparison to Kushi's book, I found Colbin's "Food and Healing" more thorough and more informative regarding why foods causes certain reactions when we eat them. She also includes more specific examples in her book of the points she's trying to make. However, Kushi's book is comprehensive in its own way and very non-intimidating. It's a good book for taking the first step.
I couldn't agree more. This is a great book for beginning macrobiotics. It was surprisingly easy to read, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in following a macrobiotics lifestyle. It has good recipes in it both for healing remedies and for regular eating. In comparison to Kushi's book, I found Colbin's "Food and Healing" more thorough and more informative regarding why foods causes certain reactions when we eat them. She also includes more specific examples in her book of the points she's trying to make. However, Kushi's book is comprehensive in its own way and very non-intimidating. It's a good book for taking the first step.
February 11, 2010
Interesting enough, but living in Japan as I do, most of it seems to be straightforward traditional Japanese cooking.
September 22, 2016
Out of curiosity, I picked up this book to gain some understanding of macrobiotics. This book comes with the authority of its named organization, thus perhaps summarizes the most important aspects of this dietary regiment's working philosophy and methods.
Its philosophy grounds in the naturalistic tradition which coincides with the standard health recommendation of avoiding highly processed industrial food as well as red meats and high fat diaries. There is a strong Japanese dietary elements in its compositions which may render some ingredients difficult to find. It is largely similar to a vegan+fish diet with exclusion of certain vegetables in the nightshade family such as tomato and spinach. It is largely cooked grains, legumes and vegetables.
Because of its naturalistic grounding, this diet regimen requires considerations along the lines of time of the season for selection of food items as well as cooking methods (summer with lighter fares, winter heavier), the yin and yang of food items (one of the reasons that nightshades are excluded), as well as some obscure acclaims of toxicity in certain items.
A yoga like stretch-focused exercise regime is recommended. Nothing strenuous. Checking other sources, it seems that its founder - a German physician named Hufeland believed in relaxation and avoidance of physical exertion as to avoid "overspend" life force.
One should not look too deeply for any scientific/empirical evidences in such a life-style approach. My own opinion is that it is largely healthy and likely to do more good in a industry-food environment which outweighs other much minor quibbles over esoteric claims for cancer-fighting claims.
Its philosophy grounds in the naturalistic tradition which coincides with the standard health recommendation of avoiding highly processed industrial food as well as red meats and high fat diaries. There is a strong Japanese dietary elements in its compositions which may render some ingredients difficult to find. It is largely similar to a vegan+fish diet with exclusion of certain vegetables in the nightshade family such as tomato and spinach. It is largely cooked grains, legumes and vegetables.
Because of its naturalistic grounding, this diet regimen requires considerations along the lines of time of the season for selection of food items as well as cooking methods (summer with lighter fares, winter heavier), the yin and yang of food items (one of the reasons that nightshades are excluded), as well as some obscure acclaims of toxicity in certain items.
A yoga like stretch-focused exercise regime is recommended. Nothing strenuous. Checking other sources, it seems that its founder - a German physician named Hufeland believed in relaxation and avoidance of physical exertion as to avoid "overspend" life force.
One should not look too deeply for any scientific/empirical evidences in such a life-style approach. My own opinion is that it is largely healthy and likely to do more good in a industry-food environment which outweighs other much minor quibbles over esoteric claims for cancer-fighting claims.
March 8, 2013
I like many of the ideas of a macrobiotic diet. I like the idea of season eating, distinguishing between yin and yang foods, balanced living and diet, fermented foods, and whole foods. The author also states that he advocates the use of a traditional foods, but then his description of what traditional foods is based more on someone living and born in Japan with very limited intake of fish, and no chicken or red meat. However, traditional Japanese foods does not work for most Americans, geographically or biologically. I was hoping that book would detail more of the philosophy behind macrobiotic or Traditional Chinese Medicine eating, rather than prescribing a diet program for all people, despite geographical location or ancestral background.
September 21, 2011
This is the book that launched the cooking school that has launched a thousand healthy diets. It is the epiphany of "diet" the meaning of the term being "lifestyle". The hidden gem in this book was the daily meridian stretches. The dietary analysis of a typical day’s intake is nice. However, it does not discuss dietary issues related to nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed if one is to assume this diet.
November 15, 2013
Interesting concept; I liked some of the concepts (incorporating more sea vegetables) but I have Celiac's and can't eat wheat, barley, rye, etc (which this diet really promotes).
I disagree that eggplant and spinach should be "avoided," among a few other vegetables and fruits. I'm taking certain elements from it, but I'm not strictly following it.
The book is an easy read, sometimes a little repetitive. I read the first 1/3, then skimmed the rest before returning it to the library.
I disagree that eggplant and spinach should be "avoided," among a few other vegetables and fruits. I'm taking certain elements from it, but I'm not strictly following it.
The book is an easy read, sometimes a little repetitive. I read the first 1/3, then skimmed the rest before returning it to the library.
September 23, 2007
A quick definition of what Macrobiotics is and how to begin living the lifestyle. I use this as a go to book often.
March 1, 2010
Sorry, macrobiotics. I'm just not convinced by you.
June 24, 2020
Michio is amazing! You just have to read it.
March 14, 2021
A good way to live
August 24, 2021
ظَ رزن
July 3, 2016
I found this diet to be a bit regionally-angled. That is, a lot of the foods that are listed in the recipes are simply not available in my part of the world (and those that are will be processed). This creates a limitation on following the diet that perhaps the author didn't consider.
I was particularly appreciative of the lens of eating locally and seasonally as a strategy for bearing the ailments of the season. It makes sense from an evolutionary perspective that we should be eating the things that grow near and within our climate during each season because those things all evolved with us, too. It's a good concept.
Still, this diet lost me at "you'll need to avoid tomatoes, asparagus and beets..." haha. Then I guess I'm not eating anything...ever... I'll take parts, but not the whole.
I was particularly appreciative of the lens of eating locally and seasonally as a strategy for bearing the ailments of the season. It makes sense from an evolutionary perspective that we should be eating the things that grow near and within our climate during each season because those things all evolved with us, too. It's a good concept.
Still, this diet lost me at "you'll need to avoid tomatoes, asparagus and beets..." haha. Then I guess I'm not eating anything...ever... I'll take parts, but not the whole.
October 11, 2015
This book provided clear, concise information about the macrobiotic diet *and* lifestyle. The other books I've read so far have focused almost entirely on diet. This book included helpful chapters on exercise and ways of thinking. And, unlike some of the other books I've read, it gave some basic guidance regarding meal planning.
There were some claims and statements in the book which are of dubious scientific value, but that did not distract me from the very useful practical information offered by this book.
There were some claims and statements in the book which are of dubious scientific value, but that did not distract me from the very useful practical information offered by this book.
March 13, 2010
He presents such a great analysis of the industrial food economy and how it has separated us from more holistic ways of thinking about food and eating.... thorough and meticulous explanation of the macrobiotic philosophy for people new to it.....
February 8, 2016
I enjoyed reaing this, and it was very interesting reading, but I don't think I'll be doing a Macrobiotic diet/lifestyle. There are some good things in the book though that I do plan to incorperate in to my daily life.
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January 21, 2009kind of a weird concept, but has a lot of healthy principles.
February 14, 2010
Fast read, super informative.
November 19, 2013
Odlican uvod u makrobiotiku za sve zainteresovane pocetnike
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews