- Though many of the macrobiotic diet's principles come from ancient cultures, Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa is considered the father of modern macrobiotics. In the late 1950s, he claimed that eating whole foods is a healthier alternative to modern production of food.
- People who tend to eat a macrobiotic diet are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many of the foods included in a macrobiotic diet are not typically found in a normal American diet.
- Grains make up a majority of what is eaten in a macrobiotic diet such as rice, barley, rye and buckwheat. Beans, soy and vegetables are also a very big part of the diet.
- Refined cooking oils, sugar, dairy and meat are typically not part of a macrobiotic diet.
- Some scientists feel a macrobiotic diet does not have enough protein, iron and other important nutrients. Lack of energy is a common complaint of those on the diet.
