Iggy Pop Diet

Whether for weight concerns, on the recommendation of a doctor, animal rights or simply trying something new, learning the rules of a new diet can be daunting. The macrobiotic diet, the same diet that musician Iggy Pop and others are on, is especially difficult because of the rules and the drastic differences from the average American diet. However, by learning the ropes and following the rules, youare bound to look and feel better in the end.

Definition

• In following the same macrobiotic diet as Iggy Pop, memorize the basic definition. Know your diet well, because you may find friends and family asking about it. Being able to recite the definition and why you chose to start the diet helps others understand and can help keep you motivated as well. Simply explain that the macrobiotic diet is a strict pesco-vegetarian (fish is the only meat you eat) diet in which you don't consume any processed foods and eat many whole grains and vegetables.

Reasons

• Sticking to a macrobiotic diet may have much to do with Iggy Pop's thin physique. However, there are usually other reasons for starting a macrobiotic diet that simply have to do with overall health and happiness, which will effect your weight loss as well. Those that follow a macrobiotic diet believe that eating this way will effect the mind as well as the body. Before deciding to join Iggy Pop in this diet venture, decide what your reasons are for choosing it. This will help motivate you and keep you strong during the first couple of weeks.

Calendar

• The macrobiotic diet is not necessarily the same diet all year long, as many different types of food and different menu items turn up during different seasons. The reason this is the case is because the philosophies behind the diet come from the ancient Eastern philosophies of yin and yang. Basically, it means that there must be a balance in your life as a whole. If you eat certain foods in certain months, you must eat certain other foods on the other end of the spectrum later in the year. Spring and summer months, for example, consist of lighter foods. Fall and winter consist of more dense, heavier foods. This goes along with basic eating habits. Heavier foods help keep you warmer in the cooler months, while lighter foods work well in the heat.
  Research your own menu ideas for the time of year, as this will help keep you focused and interested in the diet.

Foods to Avoid

• Considering the same philosophies of yin and yang, there are many foods to avoid. Yin and yang are on two completely opposite sides, according to the macrobiotic diet. Because the main concept is to create balance, eating only what resides in the "middle" of the two sides. Meat, eggs and refined salt are on one end of the spectrum (yang) because they are the heaviest of the foods and cause the body to slow down to the extreme. Sugar, honey, coffee, caffeine, drugs in general and chocolate are among some of the foods that reside on the opposite end of the spectrum (yin), which are believed to stimulate the body to the extreme, exhausting the mind and body. These foods should be avoided when you are on the macrobiotic diet. Foods like vegetables, beans, soy, and natural, whole grains. Food should also be chewed well before you swallow, as this will allow your body to easily digest them.