Macrobiotics is the new rage among Bollywood beauties and has hooked the likes of Katrina Kaif, Jacqueline Fernandes, Neha Dhupia and Esha Deol.
Author of the book, The beauty diet and India's only macrobiotic nutritionist, chef and counsellor, Shonali Sabherwal says that her book is packed with secrets on how to benefit from a diet based on raw and natural foods.
"It is a healthy way of eating that integrates physical, spiritual and planetary health. The macrobiotic diet is an organic, low fat and high fibre plan that and says no to processed foods. Whole grains, sprouted seeds and vegetables are the main foods," says Shonali, who received her training at the Kushi Institute in Massachusetts for six years.
The diet is based on traditional Chinese medicine and is not just about eating right but also cooking right. "Food and cooking styles have also energy components, and their correct combinations could produce subtle energy changes in the body," she says. It's a diet ideally suited to the Indian lifestyle. "It's like a satvic diet," she says.
About the diet
Sugar, meat, dairy are not allowed on this diet and instead you eat only whole grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. Saying no to dairy is essential.
"The biggest myth abound especially in north Indian households is that milk is sacred. But dairy is high in saturated fats, interferes with digestion and its excessive consumption can even lead to numerous health issues. Get your calcium instead from other sources like leafy greens, beans, grains and use fermented dairy instead of dairy," she says.
Even sugar, honey, spices, meat, cheese, refined flours, caffeine are out of the list. There are a lot of fears tagged with the diet though. Some nutritionists feel that it is a no for children, pregnant women and people with medical ailments because it is restrictive, lacks energy and is deficient in important nutrients. But Shonali brushes off these concerns. "This can actually cure a myriad of diseases like cancer, thyroid to even sinuses," she declares.
The 5 rules of this diet
1. Go for fruit and veggies and eat only the seasonal produce.
2. Stay away from processed foods, artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, packaged meats, etc.
3. Steam, boil or saute food as these involve an upward energy style of cooking instead of pressure cooking, slow cooking, pickling, grilling and baking products which produce an inward energy.
4. Set aside a meal time, be regular and sit down to eat.
5. If you eat the same food, your body turns dull, so add variety to your food.
Great blog!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason , people still think milk and milk products such as ghee and butter-milk is good for health...
Ayurvedic doctors say that every one should consume 1 spoon ghee every day and people believe that ghee is healthy...
Thanks for exposing the pain and torture endured by the diary cows...
Thank you for the appreciation!
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