Macrobiotics is the practice of advocating for well-being and longevity through a diet consisting of whole grains and beans. This lifestyle change is done in moderation, gradually cutting back on animal products, sugar, refined flour, and dairy products and increasing intake of whole grain and plant based foods. The diet is 50 percent whole grains, 25 percent vegetables, 10 percent protein and 5 percent fruits, nuts and seeds.

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard greens, and radishes should be regularly eaten, while snow peas, mushrooms, celery, lettuces and string beans can be consumed occasionally. Staying away from peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, spinach, spinach, asparagus, beets and avocado is recommended.

Popular with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and John Travolta, macrobiotics is a way of life for followers. Even though it has become more mainstream over the last several years, the holistic approach that balances "yin" and "yang" has been around for hundreds of years.

Beyond keeping a healthy way of life, the macrobiotic diet was developed for personal growth and evolution a strong body, mind and spirit. Proponents of macrobiotics say the diet helps the condition of the blood plasma, which in turn leads to overall wellness. The macrobiotic diet has been linked to improving AIDS and cancer.

There are a couple of drawbacks with following a macrobiotic diet. Small amounts of protein can lead to a deficiency in B12, calcium, iron and vitamin D, which can cause pernicious anemia. The diet is also very low in calories. People should only follow the macrobiotic diet under the care of a physician.