The Macrobiotic Way (Paperback)

~ (Author), Stephen Blauer (Author), Wendy Esko (Author) "Macrobiotics is a way of eating and living that has been practiced for thousands of years by many people around the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: place flame deflector under cooker, mild salt taste, grated raw daikon, United States, Add Chinese, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The third edition of the "bible" of the macrobiotic movement.

Originally published in 1985, The Macrobiotic Way is a classic in its field. It is the definitive guide to macrobiotics, an approach to diet and lifestyle that promotes both inner peace and harmony with others and the environment. Now updated, it covers not only the central dietary principles, nutrition, and foods but also cooking techniques, essentials for a macrobiotic kitchen, menus and recipes, along with exercise, life philosophy, home and lifestyle, and the role of macrobiotics in healing.

About the Author

Michio Kushi studied macrobiotics with the founder of the macrobiotic movement, George Ohsawa, and is one of the world's leading exponents of the macrobiotic lifestyle. He is the founder of two internationally acclaimed educational organizations, the East West Foundation and the Kushi Institute, and has written widely on macrobiotics and related topics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Avery Trade; 3 edition (March 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583331808
• ISBN-13: 978-1583331804
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,813 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended as a first macrobiotic book, February 3, 2005

By	Glutton for books - See all my reviews

Michio Kushi is considered one of the fathers of the macrobiotic philosophy to life. This is a valuable book because it includes much information about the rationale of the eating philosophy. It does have recipes, but is more of a philosophy of eating and cooking book. I would recommend purchasing a cook book by Christina Pirello ("Cook Your Way to the Life you Want" or Cooking the Wholefoods Way") or Kristina Turner's "Self-healing Cookbook," in order to have access to a wider range of recipes that include more easily found ingredients, to complement "The Macrobiotic Way."

The Macrobiotic Way also includes guidelines to implementing macrobiotic living in other areas of life, such as reducing your exposure to electromagnetic forces, the importance of cooking with gas, water temperature for bathing, and exercises (stretches and yoga-like poses) that improve circulation to the meridians (such movements are best incorporated in Bikram's yoga series, and some vinyasa forms of the sun salutation; methods of exercises that I prefer to Kushi's static approach, but macrobiotics is finding what works best to meet your body's needs). In the realm of exercise he also highlights the benefits of walking.

This is a good reference because it has a wide range of information about the philosophy behind the macrobiotic eating system and the exercises are not often well described elsewhere. However, it was the first macrobiotic book I purchased, and when I first read it, the impression I had was macrobiotics was a very complicated approach to food, that encompassed mostly special ingredients that I could not find and that it required many special appliances and tools to start the program. I also thought that the dry writing style made it difficult to retain the information. It was not until I read Jessica Porter's "Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics," that I felt macrobiotics was accessible to every one anywhere, that I was able to return to Kushi and better understand the material. It is a good reference for some one has started macrobiotics and wants to know more, but if you are looking for a book to explain macrobiotics to the uninitiated and make them feel enthusiastic about the possibilities of the life style to empower their lives, I think Porter, Pirello, or Turner's books (in that order) are better gifts.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Take this book with a B12 supplement, April 19, 2008

By	Donald Pattenden (Melbourne) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was new to macrobiotics when I bought this book. I've found it to be a clearly-written, informative guide with one key inadequacy.

The book covers the key principles of macrobiotics, as well as discussions of the major food groups and their role in the macrobiotic diet. It also includes engaging testimonials from some well-known converts to the macrobiotic way. This is not a recipe book, but it does have several easy to prepare recipes.

The issue I have with the book is its discussion of vitamin B12. It is a fact that there are no adequate sources of B12 in plant-based diets. The authors falsely claim that soy foods such as tempeh are good sources of B12. This is not true; the B12 found in tempeh is not real B12 but an "analog" which is unavailable to the human body. However, if the reader includes in their diet some of the shellfish recommended for occasional use, the B12 issue can be resolved.

This book is due for a revision. Buy it along with a more extensive macrobiotic recipe book, as well as a B12 supplement if you're going to follow a vegan macrobiotic diet.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Macrobiotic Bible, September 5, 2007

By	B&D - See all my reviews

I am completely new to the Macrobiotic way of life (it really is more of a way of life than a diet per se from what I gather). I had heard of it for years, and decided to read the book to determine if this is something I would like to give a try.

Wow ... the book is chock full of the overall philosophy ... and it sure seems complicated as well. And the emphasis on *process* as much as *food* is very VERY Japanese, and attractive on a a number of levels. I would recommend another book for recipes and menus, but this one introduces you to the concepts ans such.

The book is wonderful - and explains very well and clearly the Macrobiotic lifestyle. For this reason alone, I give the book high marks and say that if you want to know what it is about, this is a good starting point.

This is a very unconventional approach (as compared to the Standard American Way) to living and eating - as unconventional today as during its peak in the pop culture in the 1970's. I believe its lack of adherents, at least the apparent lack, is due to the lengthy cooking and preparation requirements (the ingredients are simple enough to get these days) as well as the unfamiliar cuisine (very Japanese based).

Also, there are a number of Macrobiotic councilors - really required in order to embark on the diet as it is somewhat customized to your needs.

I am undecided after reading the book if I will try this or not, as the preparation intensiveness and the unfamiliar cuisine (I love Japanese food, but I am not sure I will like it every day) as well as its overall complexity make it somewhat daunting. And you really need to find a councilor to do this "right" and unless you live in a major metropolitan area (usually coastal or progressive oriented place) it might be difficult to find someone to meet face to face with.

Overall great book - well written - 4 stars because I am unsure if this is right for me, but 5/5 as a book!