There are many diets to consider when you wish to change your eating habits, lifestyle, health, and weight.

George Ohsawa, who promoted that a simple lifestyle produced positive health benefits, created the microbiotic diet. The diet was comprised of ten restrictive steps, forcing the dieter to exhibit a great deal of self-control.

For example, the last stage of the microbiotic diet involves the dieter consuming only brown rice and water. Diet planners, due to its excessive restriction no longer suggest this first version of the microbiotic diet.

Well Being

The microbiotic diet appeals to some because it not only focuses on the physical well being of a dieter, but also deals with the spiritual and planetary aspects of health.

The microbiotic way of dieting is low in fat, as well as high in fibre. Vegetarians could easily follow this diet because the diet places emphasis on vegetables and whole grains.

The microbiotic diet calls for low amounts of sugar, dairy items, and meat.

Soy products

Soy products are also an integral part of the diet because they contain phytoestrogens, thought to have positive effects on cholesterol levels, menopause, as well as some types of cancers. This is why patients who are suffering from cancer or other chronic diseases have followed this strict regimen.

The phytoestrogens may also prove beneficial in the prevention of estrogen-related cancers like breast cancer. It is important not to confuse this healthy way of eating with a cure for serious medical conditions and diseases.

Whole Grains

When following the microbiotic diet, 50-60% of each meal will consist of whole grains, including brown rice, barley, millet, rye, corn and buckwheat. This diet allows an occasional meal with rolled oats, noodles, pasta, bread or baked products.

Soup

Each day, 1 to 2 bowls or cups of soup are required. It is suggested that a dieter choose shoyu or miso, which contains fermented soybeans.

Vegetables

Vegetables make up 25-30% of the daily food intake, where 1/3 of the vegetables should be eaten in their raw state. Boiling, steaming, baking or saut