Macrobiotics: Not a Diet, but a Way of Life

In the early 1970's, Macrobiotics gained popularity as a diet with the capability of curing diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But the premise of this lifestyle is making good choices. In food, home, relationships and all other aspects of life. In Greek, 'macro' means 'large' and 'bios' means 'life'. It doesn't refer to LONGER life, but FULLER life. It is a philosophy of balance.

The major principals include:

• Eat natural, minimally processed, whole foods
• Eat organically, locally and seasonally, when possible
• Gain understanding of how different foods effect you
• Center the diet around whole grains, vegetables and beans (not meat)
• Keep our lives in harmony within our families, community and selves

While some have been known to go overboard and become very fanatical and even legalistic about living a Macrobiotic lifestyle, it's not about rules. It's about respect for our food, bodies and therefore lives. Sound familiar?

My desire to improve my own health through food is motivated by my relationship with Jesus Christ. My relationship is not dependent on following the rules (though I strive to because He deserves it, just as my body does). By focusing on God in everything I do, I know that He will guide and protect me. I know that everything will be OK. By making better food choices and exercising more, I know that my health will only improve. If I respect my body, it will take care of me. It will be sustained with energy to get me through the day, to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. I was given this body by God to do His work on this Earth.

Getting Out of My Own Head

Why do we as women often become overwhelmed by nothing? At times, I have been known to become over-emotional because I let my irrational feelings stew and fester until the originating culprit becomes unrecognizable. In other words, I forget what started the whole emotional roller coaster in the first place.

For some of us, we worry too much over little things, or we over-analyze situations and make something dramatic out of nothing. For others, we try too hard and become disappointed when our expectations are not met. I myself have been guilty of all of these and other self-indulgent behaviors at some time or another.

We need to remind ourselves of God's amazing love for us, and how sufficient it truly is.

         ¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart;
           do not let me stray from your commands. -Psalm 119:10

         14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;

           I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name."  -Psalm 91:14

         ³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words,

        but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are

        greedy for unjust gain. ³² Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love

        songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but

        do not put them into practice.  -Ezekiel 33:31-32

All through the Psalms, God's love for us is expressed over and over again. So how do we really learn and accept this fact so deeply that we're able to live accordingly and never forget?

1) By studying His word regularly, and memorizing such verses

2) By praying that our hearts will be open to His words

3) By writing down those verses that speak to us

4) By fellow believers holding each other accountable. In our ungrateful behavior, as well as our relationships with Christ.

So what do you need accountability and prayer in? Make an effort to reach out to a spouse, family member or friend and ask for accountability in these things.