Weight Loss

Does anyone have any experience with the above?

I've done some preliminary research and generally, it seems as though it's a fairly (?) restrictive diet based on eastern philosophy of eating foods that are neither considered Yin (sugar, alcohol, dairy, anything processed) or Yang (poultry, meat, eggs, salt) - rather 'microbiotic' foods in between (grains, beans, vegetables). It's not 'too' far off pescetarianism, however discourages most fruit, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, etc), and dairy as a general rule. No processed foods whatsoever are 'allowed', so to speak. This sounds tough!

I'm more curious than anything, however looking towards a diet / eating plan that sets a few boundaries for me. I am more than fine with eliminating meats, poultry and most dairy however fruit, and certain vegetables would be hard!

I did a lot of reading about this at one point and tried it for the hell of it. There is absolutely no logical reason not to eat tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm all for not eating processed foods, that part on on board with. Also trying new things on the diet was interesting, but when all is said and done-no tomatoes? Come on.

Original Post by spirochete:

I did a lot of reading about this at one point and tried it for the hell of it. There is absolutely no logical reason not to eat tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm all for not eating processed foods, that part on on board with. Also trying new things on the diet was interesting, but when all is said and done-no tomatoes? Come on.

 EWW! I hate tomatoes sound perffect for me. haha

I am Macrobiotic and have been for the last two years.  Eating non-processed foods, and all organic and local soon becomes a natural routine.    It is a bit challenging at first if you're used to eating tropical fruits and nuts or nightshade vegetables, but once they're out of your food regime, you don't miss them.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information or some good recipes.

Best,
K

I really have to know why a tomato or cucumber is so evil. I refreshed my memory here with a quick google search, and I'm seeing things like "because they don't go grow downwards and weaken the body"

I'm genuinely curious, because everything else about that way of eating really sounds awesome: organics, foods that are grown locally and in season, lots of whole grains, etc

Nightshade vegetables are not included in a Macrobiotic diet because they contain solanine, which is a acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in many people.  This can cause stomach upset, potential nerve numbing, and can be addictive. 

Now, this is extreme and most people will never feel the affects of the aforementioned in a tomato or cucumber.  Still, the Macrobiotic diet is mostly about eating local, organic, in season, well rounded foods.  If someone wants to eat a tomato or a potato, then that's fine. 

Ah, thank you jaspertwig