A Transformational Experience through Oshawa Diet (2024)

When I first heard about the Oshawa diet, I was a bit skeptical. For me, it was just another commercial diet that exists out there to lose weight. This macrobiotic diet was invented by Japanese philosopher George Oshawa in the 1920s. He believed that the harmonious balance between yin and yang is attained through plant-based food, low in fat, foods with different energetic qualities, minerals, and nutrients that come from natural plants. Some examples of foods that contain that balance of Yin and Yang elements are whole grains, cereals, and fresh fruits—the kind of diet endorsed in macrobiotic meals. Yin and Yang must complement and be in the right balance with each other according to Chinese philosophy. One of the fundamentals of this diet is to eat natural and organically cultivated food, seasonal produce, locally grown and foods without pesticides and nitrates. The diet stresses that animal products must be replaced with yang foods that come from vegetarian origins. This macrobiotic diet is low in glycemic levels and it also helps people who suffer from diabetes by eliminating sugars and juices that are not fresh. After completing the diet, you should be able to feel lighter and fresh. Thanks to its high nutritional plant content, the diet is rich in phytoestrogens, which come from natural chemicals found in plants. It helps reduce the estrogen level in women, which in the long run decreases the chances of having breast cancer.

The Oshawa regimen is not just seen as a diet to lose weight, but a diet that focuses on harmony and balance in our lives. It is also a form of cleansing your body of toxins. Some people follow this diet to feel better and be in balance with their own body and soul, some start after being diagnosed with a chronic disease in hopes to alleviate their symptoms.

This macrobiotic diet, advocates for eliminating artificial ingredients and chemical substances. If you have a certain chronic illness, it is good to do it for 10 days for about 2-4 times a year. During the first 10 days of this diet, the food can only consist of brown rice, wheat, buckwheat, and millet. Only these 4 grains are allowed. You can fry it or boil it and consume as much as you want. In addition to that, water and sea salt is allowed. You might think that during this time our bodies won’t get enough nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, wheat contains many vitamins including A, B1, B2, B5, B12, D, and many more, and also minerals like Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, and Zn. Most of these vitamins and minerals are also found in millet and brown rice. In buckwheat, the yang element is the most predominant out of all those grains. Consuming buckwheat not only gives you energy, but it is high in protein and it protects your blood vessels. It is especially recommended for those who have digestive issues. During those 10 days, whole wheat and buckwheat flatbread without additives are permitted. The food must be consumed warm. Following those 10 days, you have to eat more yang foods like fresh berries, quinoa, bulgur, barley, amaranth, grilled veggies, soy, chickpeas, and many more.Fried meals, sweets, refined foods, cooked in a lot of vegetable oil, white flour,and yeast, are not permitted. It is important to use the right combination of vegetables and grains during your meals so our stomachs can digest them properly. Steaming and grilling food are recommended. Herbs that can be added for seasoning are bay leaves, ginger, fennel, nettle, basil, and mint.

Over the past years, I have been struggling with arthritis, joint pain, knees, and digestive issues,headaches not knowing a lot of it was food-related. After researching and trying out different methods of alleviation, I came across this diet and its benefits. Some people said they were cured of certain illnesses and gained energy. According to Oshawa, clean eating is very important to maintaining a healthy living and well-being.During my first 2 days on the macrobiotic diet, I felt a bit tired since my body didn’t adjust to the change yet. But on the 3rd day, it opened up my energy pathways,I felt stronger,more energetic and was able to work out more intensely. I not only managed to lose weight after multiple failed attempts since the pandemic started, but I also started to feel better. By the 10th day, I no longer experienced joint pain or any other symptoms that were bothering me for so long. My skin became clear, I was motivated to do more things. I didn’t even feel hungry throughout the day. Nevertheless, I had to drink a lot of water for those 10 days.Some people were wondering how I felt during this diet and if I had any side effects or feelings of weakness. In the end, I felt better than ever. It was easier to handle the cold weather and most importantly I regained my joie-de-vivre.After having a positive impact on my health, the way I look at food, as well as my sense of taste, changed dramatically. I no longer craved sweets, greasy food, unhealthy snacks, or any dairy products, and it feels so much better. My portion sizes were smaller and I felt fuller for a longer period. Now I make sure my meals are both delicious and nutritious.

To me, the Oshawa diet turned out to be more of a lifestyle change than a diet.

TAuthor: Cristina Sandu