Macrobiotic vs Vegan

Macrobiotic and vegan diets are very similar in comparison. Vegan followers eat zero animal products; strict vegans also buy and wear vegan clothing. Such lifestyles are generally followed for ethical and moral reasons to prevent testing on animals and the immoral killing of animals as well. Although, the macrobiotic diet doesn't place an emphasis on animal products, it definitely suggests that one consume mostly fish with small amounts of fowl (turkey) and red meat (preferably bison) as animal protein sources. It also places a strong emphasis on fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh as a rich sources of protein and vitamin content.The macrobiotic diet also takes animal rights into account as it strongly suggests to purchase wild fish vs farm raised fish and small amounts of grass fed, humanely raised animals versus commercial farming methods where animals are packed into small areas, fed unhealthy diets and antibiotics to help speed growth and prevent illness from unhealthy living conditions.

The vegan diet tends to place more of a focus on animal rights; some also choose the vegan route to decrease the risk of many common diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The macrobiotic lifestyle tends to place more of a zen focus taking in account equal rights for humanity, the earth and the continuous development of spiritual health. It is also a diet closely followed by those with cancer as a preventative and cure. One of its goals is to decrease the effects of modernization and the instances of crime, violence and big business corporations that are negatively influencing us all including our youth. The macrobiotic lifestyle further focuses on natural healing methods, including herbal medicines, meditation, moving meditation such as qi gong and tai ji, and holistic modalities such as massage, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.

Generally, it is wise that individuals who are what Chinese medicine refers to as "excess" types to be on a vegan diet for a short period of time (2-6 months). Excess type refers to one who has consumed the Standard American Diet (SAD) which tends to focus on the consumption of conventional meat, eggs, butter, sugar, fast food, white flour and corn syrup. Excess individuals also tend to be slightly overweight or obese. Individuals who are more "deficient" tend to do better with the macrobiotic diet where it emphasizes animal products such as fish and small amounts of meat which can help to healthily build ones vitality, or qi.

The downfall of the vegan diet is that individuals who are on it for prolonged periods of time, specifically deficient types, tend to have decreased energy, decreased immune system function and become deficient in critical vitamins and minerals that are typically only found in animal products. Levels of B12 and iron are the most critically lost in this diet yet can be found largely in red meat specifically bison and fish specifically sockeye salmon. B12 and iron are critical components in making up the blood, they can also be found in lesser amounts in all types of seaweed.

Ideally, even the most robust individual should consume animal products but should do so in small amounts and should focus primarily on wild fish such as sockeye salmon, cod, mackerel, haddock and Alaskan salmon as meat sources. Typically, one should consume roughly one pound of meat per week, including meats and fish and these should be consumed more so as side dishes or condiments instead of main courses whereas, vegetables and whole grains should dominate the plate. Long time vegans and deficient individuals should include small amounts of red meat (bison) and poultry (turkey) as well as red colored fish such as sockeye and other kinds of wild salmon to help build their blood and increase vitality. Vegetables that help to nourish the blood and increase iron amounts in the body include beets and beet greens, seaweeds, molasses and Chinese red date called jujube date.