the macrobiotic diet refers to a regimen which has grains as its focus, is supplemented by local vegetables, and avoids overly processed or refined foods, as well as most animal products - it was first dreamed up by george ohsawa, born yukikazu sakurazawa in 1893 in japan.

modern-day followers of his philosophy would describe it as a lifestyle based on the principles of yin and yang, or more generally, a process for achieving equilibrium with the environment - today, the macrobiotic diet has become associated with treating and preventing many diseases.

there are actually several diets contained within the macrobiotic regimen, which range from simple to severe in their restrictions - the most intense diet contains exclusively whole cereal grains, while the more commonly followed moderate diet allows for the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and soups.

specifically, 40-60 percent of a person's daily consumed food should be made up of organic, whole grains, including brown rice, oats, corn, and barley.