Followers of macrobiotics believe that food, and food quality, affects our lives more than is commonly thought. It is thought to affect our health, well being and happiness. They claim it is better to choose food that is less processed, more natural, and use more traditional methods of cooking for family, friends, and oneself.

Macrobiotics emphasizes locally grown, organically grown whole grain cereals, pulses (legumes), vegetables, fruit, seaweed and fermented soy products, combined into meals according to the principle of balance between yin and yang properties. The new food pyramid is more in line with Macrobiotics than the old "Four food groups" model. Grains are emphasized, particularly brown rice, which, when chewed thoroughly, has a good balance of yin and yang properties. The added vegetables make the diet more alkaline, which is achieved by chewing well. Foods which are either extremely Yin in nature (e.g. very sweet foods, dairy products) or extremely Yang in nature (e.g. very salty foods, red meat, coffee) are consumed very rarely if at all. The yin/yang properties of food are determined by a number of properties: the acidity of the food, where the food grows (root vegetables versus fruit from tree tops), as well as the location where the food natively grows (Morocco vs. Scotland), and the colour, shape, flavour and moisture content of the food.

Ohsawa described ten diets in total, with varying proportions of the following food groups: cereals, vegetables, soups, animal foods, salad and fruits, desserts, and beverages. The ideal diet of the ten, according to Ohsawa, was named "Number 7" and consists almost entirely of cereals with a minimal amount of beverages. The classic Macrobiotic diet consists of 50-60% whole grains, 30% vegetables, 5% soups like miso, and small portions of beans, nuts, seeds, seasonal fruit or fish. Nightshade vegetables are avoided or used sparingly. Squashes, root vegetables, and flowering plants (broccoli, kale, etc.) are emphasized as well.

Some followers try to extend the diet into a macrobiotic lifestyle. People who practice a Macrobiotic lifestyle try to observe yin and yang in everything they do. They strive for balance and happiness in their daily lives and living in harmony with nature and their physical surroundings.

Macrobiotic Diet composition Consists of:

» Cooking and Food Preparation
» Fasting & Cleansing
» Fermentation and Cultured Foods
» Macrobiotic Diet
» Raw Foods
» Vegetarianism & Veganism