As a self-diagnosed health freak, I have tried every detox diet under the sun. Admittedly, most of these diets I found unfulfilling and broke after a few days, but the one diet that has never let me down is the macrobiotic diet.
The macrobiotic diet is as much of a philosophy as it is a “diet.” The diet is based on the belief that our food is a measure of yin and yang, and when balanced, can bring us stability and enlightenment. The diet focuses on appreciating food, eating whole foods, eating foods that are in season and locally grown, staying physically active, and listening to the way our bodies respond to food.
But what does that really mean?
The diet emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats and proteins. It limits foods like dairy and meat, while forbidding foods like refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. While there are variations, the “standard” for a macrobiotic meal is this: 50 percent whole grains, 25-30 percent vegetables, 5-10 percent proteins, 5 percent sea vegetables, and 5 percent fruits.
I know that at this point, most of you are thinking, “oh hell no,” but hear me out:
If you’re looking to actually detox, it doesn’t get healthier than this. No tricks, no cheats, no magic vitamins or shakes: just healthy, whole food.
The good news for college students is that eating macrobiotic is actually relatively inexpensive. Foods like brown rice, tofu, and leafy greens can be bought in bulk, and you really get more bang for your buck when compared to Easy Mac or a frozen pizza.
I swore off all other detox diets within a few days of beginning this diet. I noticed that I was full of energy after meals instead of lethargic, and I found that I was waking up with more energy, too. I began looking forward to grocery shopping and cooking, and enjoying my food so much more.
If you’re feeling like a full on macrobiotic diet is just too much for you to handle, I want to encourage you to not give up on the macrobiotic philosophy. The beautiful thing about this diet is that it’s not as strict as a gluten-free diet or a vegan diet. While I listed the standard above, you can create your own variation that fits your needs and desires while also allowing your body to detox.
For me, my variation of the macrobiotic diet usually includes chocolate because I can eat a little chocolate now and then and still feel like I’m nurturing my body the way it wants to be nurtured.
The most important aspect of the macrobiotic diet, I believe, is understanding that your body is sensitive and what you put into it matters. When you’re living with this philosophy, it makes it a lot harder for the big, bad “Freshman 15” to sneak up on you.
