Book Description
Heralded by New York magazine as one of the city's most popular diets, macrobiotics has become the latest trend in dieting, thanks to high-profile supporters like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Speaking to the generation of young women looking to extend their healthy lifestyles beyond yoga and Pilates, macrobiotic chef and instructor Jessica Porter offers fresh, contemporary, and accessible insight into one of the world's oldest, yet most popular, diets. She explains that by eating good quality whole foods, any woman can experience physical, sensory, emotional, and intellectual freedom.

The effects of eating a macrobiotic diet can extend beyond basic health to weight loss, beauty, better sex, and peace of mind. Cooking tips and recipes are combined with Jessica's no-nonsense philosophy and witty anecdotes to create a lifestyle book that will inspire women to hit the kitchen with an understanding of how to strengthen their minds and bodies through food. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Inspiring, funny, educational.
I have read and reread this book many times since purchasing it several years ago. The book is like sitting down with an old girl friend and chatting. It is an easy read, but at the same time, explains macrobiotics very well, as well as giving a good memoir of the author's journey into macrobiotics. The book is peppered with recipes, many of which i have made, and each one of those a success. I often go back to this book and reread sections to keep me on track in my own marobiotic practice.

Great Intro to Macro!
Very fun and interesting-- Porter writes in a way that is engaging, entertaining and informative.Although the diet itself is quite involved and takes a certain level of discipline and time commitment, she asserts that it can be done one step at a time, little by little, or you can get the benefits of the diet by embodying many of the underlying philosophies of the diet while keeping some of your current habits.She also stresses that no one is perfect and even if you fall off the band wagon (and most everyone does at some point) you can get right back on and no crimes have occurred.

As a student who also works full time and have not previously done a lot of cooking, it is not realistic for me to go "whole hog" (as Porter calls it) with this diet but I can still follow the guidelines of what to try to eat and what to try to avoid, as well as embody a lot of the philosophies that go along with it.Overall it is a very fascinating and really got me thinking about Eastern philosophy, how much what you eat effects everything about you, and how little we as Americans think about food and its effects on the body, mind and spirit.

Overall I'm very happy I bought this book-- It is a great read!Highly recommended!

Funny & Practical
The book gives a great overview of Macrobiotics.The author is humorous and doesn't take herself too seriously.An easy read through or reference text.

Making macrobiotics sound less crazy
Jessica Porter's light hearted approach to macrobiotics sets this book apart. She doesn't take herself too seriously and admits how nuts it all sounds to someone who has been eating a typical American diet their whole life. It makes the macro philosophy accessible to the most cyncial of us!

The Hip chicks got it going on when it comes to macrobiotic cooking
A fun and easy read full of useful information. Couldn't wait to get started. Waiting for her next book. The author has a great sense of humor and explains the theory behind macrobiotics in a clear and concise way. My husband and I love the fish wraps with asian slaw so much we have them at least once a week. ... Read more

Book Description
A macrobiotic diet is beneficial not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Consisting of nuts, grains, vegetables, and other foods that are primarily whole, living, and unprocessed, it combines foods in a way that balances the body’s energies. Modern-Day Macrobiotics is both a cookbook and a practical guide to understanding and adopting a macrobiotic lifestyle. Along with menus and complete eating plans – including a one-day tone-up, three-day detox, ten-day regeneration diet, and four-month healing diet – it helps readers tailor a diet to their specific needs. Nearly 80 recipes cover every meal of the day, including dessert, and are tagged with icons indicating what types of energy the dish imparts. Colorful reference charts help readers find useful information at a glance. Health benefits; buying and storing ingredients; shortcuts and ten-minute meals; and ordering in restaurants are also covered. Luscious, full-color photographs capture the vibrant flavors of this healthy, delicious diet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

great book
This book is a fabulous book , i highly recommend it. First off, it is beautifully laid out with the pictures and design. The book explains macrobiotics-- theory and diet, very well. Also, the recipes in the back section were great. I have made a few already. One of the best sections discusses how to be more efficient in macrobiotic cooking and meal preparation. When i first started with macrobiotics, i was spending a couple hours a day in the kitchen, but the advice given in the book has really helped me streamline mymenus and time. I could not recommend this book more highly than i do!

Modern Day Macrobiotics
Good basic introduction on macrobiotics with great recipes.This book has excellent photographs and descriptions of what macrobiotics is all about.If you are fairly new to macrobiotics, this is a great book, however, if you are already familiar with macrobiotics, you will not learn much in this book except to pick up a couple of new recipes.The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics is a great second book to read and is very entertaining.

Most excellent and encouraging Macro book ever!
This book is most faithful to its title, 'Modern' - I have read a lot of materials regarding macro and this is by far the most practical, encouraging, yet very informative book ever.Some macro books are very informative but tend to be too conservative that readers, especially newcomers to macro diet tend to be intimidated or would have difficulty sticking to the diet.This macro book is sensitive to the current lifestyle and offers choices to make going into and staying in a macro lifestyle easier and more fun.

Beautiful Book
At last a beautiful book on macrobiotics. Wonderful photographs, great information, easy to follow guidelines and tempting recipes. I am excited to recommend this book to my clients, students and friends. Simon presents a sometimes confusing philosophy in a clear and interesting manner which makes you want to dive in and have a go.This is a must for anyone who wants to make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle. Fantastic!

Amazing book and Amazing author too!
I was thrilled to get a copy of Modern Day macrobiotics last year considering how the book does such a wonderful job in bringing macrobiotics into the modern ages. It covers the latest in scientific dietary theories so you are left with an understanding in how to incorporate these into your practice of macrobiotics. It also does a wonderful job in helping you to understand how to make macrobiotics work best for you, how do you want to live your life, and how to best adapt it around that. The recipes are wonderful, and the illustrations and pictures are breath taking, along with the wonderful and informative charts and graphic tools.

The best part is that you can join the author's yahoo group once you obtain the book, and this will help you to obtain maximum benefit from it. ... Read more

Book Description

“Food is the chief of all things, the universal medicine. . . . Food transmutes directly into body, mind, and spirit . . . creates our day-to-day health and happiness.”
—from The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health

Even in medical schools, alternative medicine is blossoming. Two thirds of them now offer courses in complementary healing practices, including nutrition. At the heart of this revolution is macrobiotics, a simple, elegant, and delicious way of eating whose health benefits are being confirmed at an impressive rate by researchers around the world.

Macrobiotics is based on the laws of yin and yang—the complementary energies that flow throughout the universe and quicken every cell of our bodies and every morsel of the food we eat. Michio Kushi and Alex Jack, distinguished educators of the macrobiotic way, believe that almost every human ailment from the common cold to cancer can be helped, and often cured, by balancing the flow of energy (the ki) inside us. The most effective way to do this is to eat the right foods, according to our individual day-to-day needs. Now in this marvelous guide, they give us the basics of macrobiotic eating and living, and explain how to use this powerful source of healing to become healthier and happier, to prevent or relieve more than two hundred ailments, conditions, or disorders—both physical and psychological.

This encyclopedic compendium of macrobiotic fundamentals, remedies, menus, and recipes takes into account the newest thinking and evolving practices within the macrobiotic community. The authors integrate all the information into a remarkable A to Z guide to macrobiotic healing—from AIDS, allergies, and arthritis, to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They also clearly explain what we need to know to start eating a true macrobiotic diet that will provide us with a complete balance of energy and nutrients.

Living as we all do in environmental and climactic circumstances that are largely outside our personal control, it is vital that we follow a healthy lifestyle, including a flexible diet that we can adjust to meet our own individual needs. The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health gives us precisely the tools and the understanding we need to achieve this goal. Use it to build a strong, active body and a cheerful, resourceful mind.






From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

macrobiotic diet
Less meat, more beans.Dietary suggestions are contrary to scientifically known benefits.Such as people from N. America should not eat fruit, avocados or olive oil. Puhlease.

Macrobiotics and Health
Every family needs to keep this book handy. It's an understanding between illnesses and foods.

I Love This Book
I have been macrobiotic for over twenty years, but there is always something new to learn.I love the updated information in this book.I will be using it a lot.

Macrobiotic/whole food Bible
This is a truly comprehensive guide to the macrobiotic way of eating. One friend refers to it as 'the bible'. The entire back half is devoted to helping certain health disorders.

A "must" for all who want natural health.
A great writer on natural health issues who does it again with one of his most comprehensive works.He gives advice on many common ailments and diseases and how to prevent them.Each problem is approached with the diet and remedies for each one.Perhaps not a beginners book in Macrobiotics -but for those determined to seek out and follow Macrobiotics in great detail this is one of THE books to have! ... Read more

Book Description
A COMPREHENSIVE INTRODUCTION TO THE NUTRITIONAL AND ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF A BALANCED, NATURAL WAY OF EATING.

Since its original publication, Macrobiotic Diet has become the bible for people interested in a healthy way of eating centered around whole, grains, fresh vegetables, and other whole, unprocessed foods.

This completely revised and updated edition offers a basic, readable presentation of the nutritional and ecological principles behind the macrobiotic diet. This book explains the foods and cooking techniques that are central to the macrobiotic approach to eating, and it demonstrates how the diet can
be used to lose weight, to increase energy levels, to prevent and treat disease as well as to promote psychological health. Specific dietary adjustments and modifications are suggested according to gender, age, and level of activity to help optimize the overall effects of a whole-grain based diet.

This new edition of Macrobiotic Diet is expanded to include information on natural foods that have recently become available; the latest research on cancer and diet; AIDS and diet; the U.S. government's landmark report on Diet and Health; and the China Health Study; as well as a wealth of
information on the impact of our dietary choices on the earth's environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Larger than Life
Macrobiotics first had its roots in America when Michio and his wife,Avelin came to this country in the 1950's with a vision that was"larger than life". Macro-bio-tics is exactly that. And theMacrobiotic Diet, as described in this book (among the many that existtoday) is one that doesn't just center around the do's and don'ts of propereating. It is a lifestyle; it is a way to think about one's body, mind, andsoul. When the macrobiotic principles of balance and nutrition are combinedwith yoga practice and meditation, the result is unity and wholeness. Thecircle is complete. Michio Kushi does not attempt to burden the reader withinstructions on what is good and what is bad. Although some novices to thispractice may run into the mistake of treating his "prescriptions"as limits in themselves, the book is meant to describe additions that canbe made to one's already existing diet, instead of just pointing out thatdairy and meat are "no no's". Though the macrobiotic approach mayintimidate or seem too strict at first, it is actually very flexible andopen. Otherwise, how can one expect to develop an open mind by following adiet that is limiting and rigid? The other critical point I'd like tonote is, however comprehensive the text, passive reading will neversubstitute for the magic and connection of actually PRACTICING macrobioticswith close friends and family members, or other people familiar with theapproach that would be willing to serve as a guide. Never think that youmust walk this road alone. The energy you get from macrobiotic cookingshould be a source of personal freedom and inspiration that carries youforward and brings you closer to people. One of the principle underlyingideas of macrobiotics is that the food you eat partially determines who youare--thus, in offering explanations for some of the ways to observe themacrobiotic diet, Michio talks about the chemistry behind the kinds offoods you would eat and how, depending on how yin or yang they are, thatmay affect your behavior and even personality. Thus, my advise is to usemacrobiotics to heal yourself of any tensions, stresses, or aggressivity(if you feel them) by "linking" yourself with others who followthis practice in hopes of speaking the same language and leading a morepeaceful life.

thank you very much for this opportunity to share, ... Read more

Book Description

"Anyone watching his or her weight can profit by using these 150 recipes and 30 menus.... Foodstuffs blend old and new tastes, ...each recipe includes nutritional and exchange information."

Customer Reviews (3)

simple; helpful and supportive
A simple, helpful and verydirect cook book. Especially helpful to those of us who either forgot the principlesor are beginninganew.This book does make it easier.

Great Cook Book
While some of the meals take more than an hour there are some that take as little as 20 min. I like the varity of the recipes and helpful hints and instructions with pictures. I would highly recommend this book.

Quick but not quick enough!!
this book is great except the evening meal takes 1 hr+ & a book is needed for people who can't do that!! ... Read more

Book Description
Wholesome and delicious recipes for cooking in harmony with nature.

Rooted in centuries-old principles, the macrobiotic diet consists of simple yet highly nutritious foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and beans, selected and prepared in harmony with the seasons. From lightly sautéed spring greens and refreshing summer salads, to harvest vegetables and hearty winter stews, this cookbook provides hundreds of easy-to-follow and flavorful recipes for complete and balanced macrobiotic meals. A combination of great taste and whole foods, this is traditional macrobiotic cooking at its best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Vegan cuisine is not macrobiotic cuisine
This cookbook's well-organized menus and recipes specific to each of the 4 seasons in a temperate climate zone is very helpful, but the book's title is misleading.The word macrobiotic is used in the book title, however all of the book's recipes are vegan.A little history is recounted here:During the first decade of macrobiotics in the USA, all the macro cookbooks featured a moderate use of fish and fish products.Fish products played an especially important part of soup recipes, such as miso soup.The alteration of traditional macrobiotic recipes in this cookbook to excise fish means that the authentic macrobiotic diet is actually not being represented here, and the fact that this cookbook does not discuss that omission makes it even more out of balance with mainstream macrobiotic thinking.

Eating in rhythm with life
This is a wonderful resource for everyday, practical meals to feed family and friends as well as nourish your own soul. Great recipes and menu-planning. A great complement to Practically Macrobiotic.

Macro for the Undecided
During the 1960's, Michio and Aveline Kushi popularized macrobiotics in the States, and this practical, well-written book is a good introduction. I chose this as a present, after browsing through Amazon.com for a book that combined recipes and macrobiotic concepts.As I discovered later, the balance of easily prepared recipe and basic macrobiotic concepts reflects the balance that "macro" devotees achieve through their diet.The gift recipient, Buree-Kan Kobayashi (name used with permission) confirmed that Aveline Kushi's book I chose wisely.Although Buree doesn't strictly adhere to a macrobiotic diet (he's more of a California vegan/macro/fish/almonds guy), my friend commands a basic understanding of macrobiotic concepts and principles.

One of the concepts most familiar to Westerners is the balance of yin (roughly: "hot") and yang ("cool") energies, and that's why Kushi organizes her recipes around the seasons.At the risk (read: probability) of oversimplifying, here's an example of this principle: One should eat yang foods (more raw foods, such as roots and fruit, de-emphasizing salt--a yin food) in the summer to balance the heat, and yin foods (cooked foods, often with more spice) in the winter.The book covers the transitional Autumn and Spring months as well.

Whether or not you accept these and other concepts, the book presents excellent, healthy dishes emphasizing fresh, nutritional, unprocessed foods.The recipes are generally easy to prepare, but not "dumbed down."Most ingredients can be bought at a local supermarket (especially one that emphasizes natural foods, like "Whole Foods"), but proximity to a health food or Asian store will be helpful. The flavors attainable without using meat or dairy products (your basic vegan diet) will stagger the taste buds of the uninitiated.

The simple but imaginative recipes will satisfy adventurous appetites.Satisfying staples include seitan (wheat gluten), tempeh (a cultured soy originally from Indonesia), tubers, and different grains. The list of keywords in Amazon.com's book description above hints at other foods that may be new to you; "exotic" as they may sound, these healthy foods represent the ordinary diet of millions.I think it was wise not to present cures and prescriptive herbs; the flavorful recipes are sufficient reason to incorporate some degree of macrobiotics into your cooking. If one really takes to this cuisine and wishes to explore more macrobiotic theory and praxis applied to nutrition and medicine, one can explore a more technically oriented text. Recommended for those ready to take a bite.

Fantastic
As a newcomer to macrobiotics, I absolutely loved this book and have used it every day since I bought it.It outlines easy, quick basic recipes that anyone can make - most of which involve few basic ingredients.

Everything down to how to make basic brown rice is in here. I am so blessed I happened to get this book in the beginning. After now having read some of the other macrobiotic books, I realize I might have been frustrated by the foreign ingredients and complicated recipes and been turned off from macrobiotics otherwise.

One thing I did when I bought this book (as I was just slowly learning macro foods and starting to introduce them to my cupboards) is sift through the book and start noting common themes of ingredients. After identifying and buying some of the "base" products identified, I was able to make several different recipes.These recipes make up my diet today and every day.

I would recommend this book to anyone, especially beginners like me.

Great everyday guide
This is a very practical book that gives recipes for a realistic macrobiotic regime, linked to the seasons.When you follow this diet, you feel very good.

The book lacks a discussion, however, about how to fine-tune the diet to signs or symptoms you may experience in your body or mindset.I think anyone seriously following a macrobiotic diet should use this book in conjunction with The Self Healing Cookbook by Kristina Turner.Together they give you a full picture of herbal dietary therapy and how it can be utilized on a daily basis.Together they give you enough useful recipes to keep yourself happy and your tastebuds from getting bored. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Aveline Kushi's Guide to Macrobiotic Cooking
I love to cook, and I love to read about cooking.This book is one of the "root" cookbooks of a kitchen.This is a cookbook that combines health, mindfulness and eating.It is very helpful to understand the reasons behind macrobiotic practices, and the balances that help us feel really great!

A Must Have for health concious families.
This is the most useful book I've ever purchased! I never learned how to cook before and never bought a cookbook either, but this has made me come to know the value of the text by a author with so much love for food, health, and human kind.

A Natural Cookbook
This is a cookbook dealing only with natural ingredients.It covers all the different foods to cook, such as grains,vegetables, sea vegetables,beans et al.In addition to a range of recipes she supplies the rationale behind their use.

Excellent macrobiotic cookbook
I own multiple macrobiotic cookbooks, and this one is the one I come to time and time again.Learning about the specialty ingredients in macrobiotic cooking is tricky, but once you have found a source of these ingredients, the recipes in this book are simple and tasty.

The thing I like most about this book is the simplicity of the recipes.Most of the recipes call for the same 4-5 cooking styles, with the same 4-5 condiments.Many of the recipes in this book have become staples of my diet.

I am not a 100% practicing macrobiotic, but when I feel the need to eat healthy and lose weight, I always turn to this book as a refresher course to how to eat healthy.

This book is an excellent companion book to "The Macrobiotic Way" by Michio Kuchi.Another book I highly recommend is "The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics".These three books are used more than any other in my cookbook library.

The authoritative reference on macrobiotic cooking
From the teacher herself comes a huge book which distills more than 35 years of macrobiotic cooking and teaching. This book covers everything on the subject, from food preparation prior to cooking (an area most American cooks know little or nothing about) through "Medicinal Cooking and Home Cures."

Menu planning is included to incorporate acid/alkaline balancing which is so critical to the macrobiotic practitioner's path to total health.

I predict that those who study macrobiotic cooking will never again be able to enjoy fast foods such as meat burgers, french fried potatoes, sodas, chips, etc.They will KNOW when food is creating an imbalance and why.They will understand at what point disease kicks in and how to reverse it.

This book is required for all who seek health, harmony, and peace.We develop an appreciation and understanding of therole which whole foods, organically grown and properly prepared, play in our physical, mental, and spiritual health.

I might point out that prescription drugs, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy, and meats (other than fish) are huge contributors to imbalance and have no part in macrobiotic health.In a diet consisting of 50% whole grains, 25% vegetables, and the remainder made up of beans, sea vegetables, fish, and soups, it is amazing to see how many creative recipes are included in this 414 page book.

Buy it.Everyone needs this education. ... Read more

Book Description
A classic collection of more than 150 innovative recipes, now updated and repackaged.

Andrea Bliss-Lerman, an expert chef and macrobiotic cooking teacher, has gathered together a collection of original and tasty recipes contributed by leading macrobiotic practitioners across the country. Featuring many of her own inventive recipes, this is a unique community cookbook that will attract a whole new generation of readers in an ever-growing market looking to foster greater health and well-being through nutrition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Wonderful "Community" Cookbook!
I really love this cookbook.Andrea Bliss Lerman has compiled a nice variety of recipes, many of which are contributed from famous names in the Macrobiotic Family.I especially enjoyed the recipe for Chapati contributed by Cornellia Aihara from the George Ohsawa Macrobiotic Foundation.It is a flat bread made from finely ground whole wheat flour, water and sea salt that she discovered from India.There is also the Quick and Tasty Noodle Vegetable Delight from Meredith McCarty from the East West Center for Macrobiotics in Eureka, California.

If you are looking for variety in the macrobiotic diet like I was, I recommend The Macrobiotic Community Cookbook.It has wonderful recipes from breakfast through desert.I am sure you will find many that will wet your appetite.

tasty, many choices, includes tortillas from whole corn
Andrea Bliss Lerman has thoroughly researched these favorite recipes from many people in the macrobiotic community.The basics are all there and the desserts are delicious.I especially like the traditional tortilla recipefrom whole corn. It tastes really great made with blue corn.

tasty, many choices, includes tortillas from whole corn
Andrea Bliss Lerman has thoroughly researched these favorite recipes from many people in the macrobiotic community.The basics are all there and the desserts are delicious.I especially like the traditional tortilla recipefrom whole corn. It tastes really great made with blue corn. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

But I don't live in Japan!
Most folks who are interested in pursuing Macrobiotics already know that the principles were developed on the Japanese lifestyle.This booklet gives some very general advice, and was not helpful to me because it did not offer any specific ways to make the transition, or offer any substitutes for ingredients commonly found in Asia that may not be readily available in the US, or are just so rare in some regions, that they are very expensive.

Additionally, the produce in the US in most cases is not organic, and it is difficult to understand how the "energy" in your food is going to benefit the body when its "energy" is corrupted by radiation, pesticides, and modern day farming techniques that value quantity over quality.Aside from "buy organic," this booklet doesn't offer many other suggestions.

American lifestyle can make it difficult for people achieve the goals of macrobiotics on a limited budget.This book did not address my challenges on transitioning to macrobiotcs very effectively.

Common sense written down.
This book was informative, but it really didn't go into much detail.I was looking for specifics.I didn't learn any thing I couldn't find out on the internet or with common sense.

Easy to read and understand
This is a great starting point for a beginner who wants to make the transition. Itis a very non-judgemental approach and easy to follow.

Excellent guide to gracefully changing to a healthier diet.
I found this an excellent, yet simple guide for gracefully changing eating habits. The book is full of suggestions that help the student to succeed. Changing from the standard American diet to macrobiotics is not somethingmost people can do overnight. This simple, easy to read and understand bookprovides practical suggestions to help one begin the long process ofgradual change, a sure way to succeed. Readers are provided with severaldegrees of dietary change that will help even the most stalwart meat-eatertransistion to a healthier way of eating. If you are trying to improve yourhealth (and/or the health of our planet) macrobiotics provides a provenpath to your goal. Good luck! ... Read more

Book Description
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. 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 healing. ... Read more

Book Description

“Food is the chief of all things, the universal medicine. . . . Food transmutes directly into body, mind, and spirit . . . creates our day-to-day health and happiness.”
—from The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health

Even in medical schools, alternative medicine is blossoming. Two thirds of them now offer courses in complementary healing practices, including nutrition. At the heart of this revolution is macrobiotics, a simple, elegant, and delicious way of eating whose health benefits are being confirmed at an impressive rate by researchers around the world.

Macrobiotics is based on the laws of yin and yang—the complementary energies that flow throughout the universe and quicken every cell of our bodies and every morsel of the food we eat. Michio Kushi and Alex Jack, distinguished educators of the macrobiotic way, believe that almost every human ailment from the common cold to cancer can be helped, and often cured, by balancing the flow of energy (the ki) inside us. The most effective way to do this is to eat the right foods, according to our individual day-to-day needs. Now in this marvelous guide, they give us the basics of macrobiotic eating and living, and explain how to use this powerful source of healing to become healthier and happier, to prevent or relieve more than two hundred ailments, conditions, or disorders—both physical and psychological.

This encyclopedic compendium of macrobiotic fundamentals, remedies, menus, and recipes takes into account the newest thinking and evolving practices within the macrobiotic community. The authors integrate all the information into a remarkable A to Z guide to macrobiotic healing—from AIDS, allergies, and arthritis, to cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They also clearly explain what we need to know to start eating a true macrobiotic diet that will provide us with a complete balance of energy and nutrients.

Living as we all do in environmental and climactic circumstances that are largely outside our personal control, it is vital that we follow a healthy lifestyle, including a flexible diet that we can adjust to meet our own individual needs. The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health gives us precisely the tools and the understanding we need to achieve this goal. Use it to build a strong, active body and a cheerful, resourceful mind.



... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A profound and revelatory book
See my review of the paperback edition at The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health: A Complete Guide to Naturally Preventing and Relieving More Than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders

very helpful
This book is like 3 books in one: one on theories behind macrobiotics, one on healing remedies through healing diets, and also one on key recipes. It's user-friendly layout can be read front to back or you can use the index in the back to look up specific ailments, remedies or concepts. There's also a self-referencing set up in that if a good food or recipe is mentioned in one of the chapters and is written in capitals, that means you can find the recipe in the back of the book. I got this book to simply develop my macro library, and I ended up not only healing a few aches and pains, but trying out a few new recipes that I now love. This book will always stay with me. It's useful to anyone at any stage of their macro adventures!

good but late
Book was in great condition, but the seller didn't "see my order" for almost 2 weeks, but then finally sent it. More the fault of not checking email or the notification system or something, otherwise it was great!

Insightful and empowering
It isn't written to offer dramatizations or win converts. This is a step-by-step manual for those who seek guidance to healing through macrobiotics. And you don't have to have a "condition" to benefit from the wealth of information found in this book. Use it for deeper understanding of your body's healing potential and see what it can do for you if you care to follow the advice. This book also offers guidelines on cooking and recipes, but buying a good cookbook as a companion will provide you with a well-rounded experience. Go ahead and try it. This is powerful stuff.

great book
I recommend this book highly. Only problem I saw with it was that sometimes the organization of the material was a bit confusing and the language seemed like it was written by a non-english speaker. ... Read more

Amazon.com
When you think "macrobiotic," do you picture unseasoned brown rice, raw sprouts, and no taste? Abandon the stereotype, because macrobiotic cooking is both varied and tasty, especially with the recipes in this cookbook.

Macrobiotic cooking uses these food groups:
1. 30-50% of the diet is whole grains, the main staple food: brown rice, whole wheat, oats, corn, millet, barley, rye, buckwheat, and foods made with cracked grains and whole grain flour.
2. 30-50% is vegetables, in season and grown locally when possible, and sea vegetables, which store and travel well.
3. 5-15% can be beans, soy foods, or occasional seafood.
4. In moderation: fruits, seeds, nuts.

Author Meredith McCarty is codirector of the East-West Center for Macrobiotics in Eureka, California. She explains the basics of cooking whole grains and soyfoods, and walks us through the use of unfamiliar ingredients such as sea vegetables and grain beverages. Recipes include Stand-Up Cabbage Sushi, Nutty Noodle Bake, Mexican Rice, Journeycakes (American Indian flatbread), Green Corn Tamale Bake, Japanese Cool Noodle Salad, Baked Tempeh with Lemon-Mustard Sauce, and Lemon-Lime Pudding Pie. Far from an austere diet, the recipes are as hearty, ethnically varied, and tasty as they are healthy.--Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

ok, more theory than recipes
This book has some interesting recipes and discussion, but it is filled with lots of pictures, theory and concepts. I was only looking for a cookbook, hence the 3 stars.

Informative, not preachy
Unlike most cookbooks for vegetarians or health concious folks the American Macrobiotic Cookbook is full of good information, as well as delicious recipes.The illustrations are complimentary to the style of writing and it's an all around good introduction to macrobiotic cooking.

Great information and recipes
This book is a great introduction to the various foods that are eaten according to Macrobiotic principles, in plain English. Each of the basic foods is described, along with handling and preparation information. I am looking forward to trying some of the desserts! I was worried that thisstyle of eating would be very limiting and dull but this book dispels thatidea with the variety of meals it presents. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This small guide through the dietary principles of macrobioticsis loaded with the fundamentals of the diet, but it also offers soundadvice on healthy eating. The macrobiotic diet focuses on whole grains,fresh vegetables, and natural (i.e., not refined) foods, along with theprinciples of yin and yang that govern the philosophy--all of which areexplained clearly and succinctly: "A basic tenet of macrobioticthinking is that all things--our bodies, foods, and everything else--are composed of yin and yang energies....macrobiotic practiceemphasizes the two food groups--grains and vegetable--that have theleast pronounced yin and yang qualities, making it easier to achieve amore balanced condition within the natural order of life."Although macrobiotics is more than a diet--in fact, its principles canbe applied to all areas of life--this book focuses on its applicationsto diet and health. A macrobiotic regimen promises many blessings, among them greaterenergy, relief from pain and illnesses, renewed enjoyment of food, amore fulfilling sex life, and improved sleep. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Great Little Guide To Macrobiotics.
The Pocket Guide To Macrobiotics is the perfect start to understanding the yin and yang of the diet.It explains the meaning of macrobiotics, the basic ideas behind the diet, how it can be used in everyday life, to heal, to gain energy, to help keep the body healthy.While published in 1997 it still makes total sense.It is flexible yet I have to warn you it will not be an easy regimen to follow at first.

Excellent
Don't miss this small, pocket-sized volume if you need a thorough introduction to the principles and philosophy of macrobiotics.Without including any recipes, author Carl Ferre has done an excellent job condensing the most important aspects of marcobiotics into this handy book.An easy read, keep it in your purse or jacket pocket to peruse when you have a few spare minutes.

I'm so glad I found this!
This book provides a great deal of information on beginning and sustaining a macrobiotic diet and is written in a clear, concise manner.It speaks positively about small dietary changes and never stoops to belittling other diets.When I bought the book, I knew absolutely nothing about the macrobiotic way of life.When I put it down, I had a good working knowledge.

Although it doesn't include any recipes, I think this book is excellent.

Best Expression of the macrobiotic way of eating to date
This small pocket guide outlines food choices in diagrams displaying the relative positions of food rather than in terms of nutritional data. Nutritional quantities and percentages of food are misleading in that the imply accurate descriptions of food before it is eaten and digested. Each body is different and the macrobiotic way of eating requires considering the condition of the eater as well as the food eaten. For anyone who has encountered strange or misleading information of this grain-based diet would benefit from reading this small guide. It is well written in an easy to follow format that persuades rather than dictates. The resources and references are excellent and the price is right. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Steers clear of the escoteric...wonderfully easy to follow!
As a complete and utter novice to Macrobiotic dieting & lifestyle,I couldn't ask for a better definitive guide!This book avoids the lofty, philosophical language usually associated with natural & so-called "alternative" diets, and you don't have to drive a 1970 Volkswagon van to be in sync with its format!The staple foods are clearly explained (along with detailed definitions of the Asian foods, which may be fairly obscure to most Americans, me included).I became interested in this diet when Madonna brought it mainstream, but had reservations about my ability to manage it myself.... would I need a staff of professional celebrity-worthy chefs, like Madonna probably has, or could I follow its format on an every-day basis, including shopping & stocking the kitchen?With this book, the answer is "yes".I recommend it not only for a macrobiotic diet, but also for vegan dieters (as it excludes dairy & eggs, as well as meat).

Perfect
Explains which foods can be eaten & how often as well as giving recipes

This book is life-changing.
I think this book is the best introduction of the macrobiotic practice. It includes everything you need to know to begin and will give you plenty to think about for a long,long time.It is clear, interesting,thought-provoking, and challenging.It changed my life.

Ohhh!!!
Michio Kushi, John Denver and Stephen Blauer has just written the most comprehensive book I have ever read. A must buy... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Taoist Interpretation of Macrobiotics.
Containing common sense advice on preventive medicine plus some very dubious diagnosis, the book: NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS (c. 1978) by Michio Kushi, is actually a very good introduction to the concept of the macrobiotic dietary approach to health emphasizing a diet of whole grains and boiled vegetables as staple foods, merged with the Taoist practice of internal alchemy to achieve immortality.

Offering the focused view that "only with the biological reconstruction of humanity on an individual basis through the basic means of daily life and diet, could world peace be established" (p. 19) coupled with the questionable belief that "Almost every modern degenerative illness, inlcuding cancer, heart-disease, and multiple sclerosis, results from the habitual excessive intake of foods which are either too yang, too yin, or both" (p. 29), author Michio Kushi then goes on for several chapters categorizing and identifyinig all the foods, diseases, and internal organs as to their yin or yang properties to apply that biological reconstruction of humanity.

Oversimplistic, or possibly even dangerous, views towards illness permeate this work, such as "Polio is a yin condition,and is caused by the excessive consumption of foods like fruit juice, ice cream and sugar" (p. 50) and recommended treatment for serious diseases by either varying the diet according to the principles of yin & yang; the administration of plasters (i.e. "For the treatment of pnuemonia use a Carp plaster" p. 99); or the application of accupunction.The book also suggested the technique of adjusting the body's pH level by consuming various foods measured by their yin & yang value, which conforms to the practice of internal alchemy by practicing Taoists.

The major value of NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS by Michio Kushi, is for the students of Taoist tradition and folklore, rather than for any pragmatic cure for debilitating diseases, mental health, or physical injuries.To help further understand the basis and reasoning of NATURAL HEALING THROUGH MACROBIOTICS, please read: A TAOIST COOKBOOK (c. 1994) by Michael R. Saso; and SEVEN TAOIST MASTERS (c. 1990) by Eva Wong, to help put macrobiotics and Taoist alchemy and diet into historical perspective.

Natural Healing Through Macrobiotics
Offers a clear, concise, explanation of how whole foods and oriental diet/natural medicine can reverse health conditions and prevent illness. Love this book. Puts you on a healthy-minded approach to body - mind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Every Household Should Have this Book.
I live by this book. Every remedy that I have tried has worked! I can't stress enough the importance of the information within this books pages. Micho Kushi and his wife are very very wise people. Every household should have a copy of this book!

Easy and helpful home remedies, a book everyone should own
I would highly recommend this book to anyone, even if they aren't macrobiotic.The remedies are easy and best of all, completely natural.Michio Kushi is the leader of macrobiotics today and Marc Vancauwenberghe is one of the great teachers.Their knowledge of nutrition and natural medecine seems to be neverending!

a great home remedy book
easy, helpful remedies. would recommend to anyone ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Zen Macrobiotics - Health Giving and Perspectives

HEALTH PERSPECTIVE

I have had severe brittle diabetes since I was six. I was running blood pressure of 160-170 over 110-120 when I read this book. When I began practicing his diet and teachings, my blood pressure dropped gradually to where it has been since 120-125 over 80 to 90. I have also, several times, used his cures for specific ailments.

From a HEALTH Perspective, I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND this book to everyone (no one lacks physical problems).


PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

Synthesizing the history of Eastern perspectives, Ohsawa makes us see quite clearly through the use of statistics and life stories just how difficult it is to rationalize Western Capitalistic Culture and the effects of corporate medicine and dietary habits on Americans (few realize that over 95% of the diet propoganda in the US comes from the Meat and Dairy industry, and, as John Robbins shows through innumerable scientific studies in his The Food Revolution, almost everything that propoganda says is untrue and designed to get us to buy meat and dairy products).

From a PERSPECTIVES perspective, I HIGHLY recommend this book.

More dietary advice, less philosophy
Always be wary of anyone who discourses on a past history of a region that is for all intents and purposes "Mythical", you know, the good 'ole days when everyone was well fed, happy and lived to 105. This Reactionary thinking in combination with a healthy dose of Western Civilization bashing takes away from a potentially positive dietary concept.

I have always considered white rice to be the "Junk Food" of Pan Asian societies.When I first heard of Mr. Ohsawa's advocacy of Brown Rice I was interested to read this book. But for a person who claims to have an understanding of Infinite Universal Law, yet doesn't know why human's catch colds and birds and bugs don't(his explanation is not even worth repeating). This and other forgettable insights,led me to conclude that his understanding of a great many things is...by an ethnocentric mindset,a fair amount of philosophical hallucination, and just plain bad deductive reasoning. This endless editorializing completely overpowered the fundamental message of the book. This is disapointing, given Mr. Oshawa's reputation and the positive outcomes I've heard from people who have followed elements of his dietary concepts.

I am 38, the book saved my life twice.
Having a decadent and unhealthy lifestyle,one day a friend told me "the only chance for you to survive is to read and live by the book, 'Zen Macrobiotic' by George Ohsawa".I started to read, it was morelike listening to a old man of wisdom. That man had a great life storywhich he was giving me all of his discoveries to a meaningful life.Lifeis beautiful.

Denis

Balanced Nutrition the secret to health and longevity
In this classic , George Oshawa gives the guidelines to balance your life and body through macrobiotics.Using the theories of yin and yang Master Oshawa gives the secretes to continued health and even disease treatment and prevention.Health is a state everyone can achieve and for the vegatarian this book is a must read. ... Read more

Book Description
A NEW AND COMPLETELY REVISED AND EXPANDED EDITION OF THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO MACROBIOTICS.

The Book of Macrobiotics is the passport to a new world of infinite understanding and adventure. It has been read, reread, studied, and treasured by hundreds of thousands of people seeking a clear, comprehensive approach to the problem of living in a world of endless change.

Now, after nearly a decade, The Book of Macrobiotics has been completely revised and expanded to reflect refinements in Michio Kushi's teachings, as well as many new developments in the spread of macrobiotics in modern society. During this time, the Standard Macrobiotic Dietary approach has been
simplified and broadened. Macrobiotic approaches to cancer, heart disease, and other degenerative diseases have evolved and expanded, as have basic home cares, and way of life recommendations.

The revised edition of The Book of Macrobiotics also includes a new chapter on the Spiritual World, new material on Yin and Yang and the Five Transformations, Man/Woman Relations, and Humanity's Origin and Destiny, and an annotated East West Reading List for further reading and enjoyment. Many new
illustrations have been furnished, and the Food Composition tables have been expanded to include nutritional information on dozens of foods such as tempeh, seitan, rice cakes, and amazake not previously available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

health, happiness, peace...and nothing else?
People should always be careful of self-proclaimed gurus who have universal remedies...

I was a macrobiotic myself and gave up because I couldn't stand so many irrational restrictions and religious proclaims.

80% of macrobiotics is just vegetarian commom sense and has been around for millenia...but the remaining 20% is a dangerous mix of the Japaneselikes and dislikes in food, with more than a pinch of new age mumbo jumbo.

Look for a good vegetarian book for food and search in philosophy or religion if you want answers on the meaning of life.

Confusing and Difficult to Read
Warning: This book simply may have not been for me, so take the star rating with a grain of salt.

I wanted to like this book, having heard a great many good things about the Macrobiotic diet. And I understand that to understand the dietary and health theories behind Macrobiotics, it's important to understand the philosophical basis. However, the way this book is structured, I found it quite frustrating to read, and I honestly failed to follow many of the connections that it was trying to make between the philosophical systems and eating issues.

I'm not giving up on the subject matter completely, but I suspect that this was not the place to begin. Great appendixes, on the other hand, and almost worth it just for them.

The Book of Macrobiotics
A profound an logical study of Man and the Universe evolving as a whole. An extensive study which encompasses evolution of Man and the Universe,based on Eastern and Western knowledge. A guide to reestablish physical,psychological and spiritual quality of life as the fundamental means toachieving world peace. This is a book to raise consciousness and awarenessto continue human biological and spiritual evolution within a frame of aconscientious life style of continued transformation and awareness,enjoying the endless process of change and self-transformation, bringinghealth and happiness into our lives.

READ!
From food and nutrition to lifestyle and spirituality, this book covers EVERY aspect of macrobiotics.This is an important book. ... Read more

Book Description
Michio Kushi's macrobiotic blueprint for the prevention and relief of disease.Revised and updatedwith the latest research, new recipes, and practical suggestions for relieving 25 types of cancer.Drawing on the most up-to-date cancer and heart research, Michio Kushi presents a ground-breaking dietary program that can be implemented safely and simply in the home at a fraction of the cost of usual meals and medical care.As the risk and incidence of cancer increases, The Cancer Prevention Diet continues to be essential reading for anyone seeking to maintain or regain optimum health through natural means. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Healthy oils are essential
Some of the ideas in this book are great; others are terrible.The important work that has been done since the 1980s concerning the essential, healing role that omega-3 fatty acids play in the human diet is not reflected in this book.Be very, very cautious if you use this book.Be sure to read widely to make up for the major deficits of scientific, nutritional knowledge that plague this author.

Informative and Well-Written
Once again, Mischio Kushi has written an informative and precise book on how to maintain your health, even when facing a diagnosis of cancer.

Like so much of the macrobiotic diet, this is a healthy and great diet to begin to feel great and regain your health.

Informative
This book is informative, but since cancer patients have to see a nutritiionist and eat whatever their body allows them to eat, this can be difficult.But, if the the patient can eat whatever they need to, this book has lots of good advice and suggestions.

The most thorough treatise on the subject
This book does an excellent job of summarizing and organizing all of the work done by Michio Kushi and others over the span of decades working with cancer patients. Though Macrobiotics is based on much Japanese culture, this book is geared to the westernized/American reader so there is very little in the way of cultural chasm to jump over.

Many of the reviews up here are rather ill-informed. Though Macro has been around for decades, most of modern medicine now accepts its precepts, including the AMA, WHO, National Institute of Cancer Research and others. Most of the major natural lifestyle books that have been published in the last 30 years acknowledge learning much from Michio--some are direct carbon copies of Michio's works!

In any case, I have used it and seen first hand my family members recover directly from changing the diet and lifestyle. The changes to body and health happen within a few weeks. My family and I looked and felt better within 6-8 weeks, and the member that had been diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live, had the cancer go into remission and lived a number of years longer--and did not die from cancer. I make no claim it will work in every case, but it is a tremendous aid in re-establishing ones good health. If I were to come down with cancer or other serious illness I would go strict Macro. It not only effects your chronic health, but your more general weight and energy levels as well. It is a bit hard to stay on for the long haul with our modern lifestyles, but you do the best you can--and you do it seriously if you are sick.

There has NEVER been any serious and backed up accusation that anything on the diet is in any way dangerous to your health, so there is zero downside to trying it.

As to the sad passing of members of Michio's family from cancer, what can one say. There appears to be a weakness in their genetic make-up that allows this. Nobody knows if they would have died at a much earlier age, and for all we know Michio was attracted to the study of health and cancer due to this family predilection. This is a common reason people get into the study of health.

I am forever grateful for the work this man has done and shared with us.

take it with a pinch of salt...
Sadly, both Michio Kushi's wife and one daughter have died of cancer.Being that they were Japanese, the healthiest and longest lived people in the world, this doesn't really speak well for the diet.However, macrobiotics, when taken with common sense, have been known tohelp cancer patients, some say to the extent of "curing" them.Follow your own instincts...and keep in touch with a trusted doctor! ... Read more