What is Macrobiotics?

Macrobiotics means "long" or "great" life. It is a natural, holistic approach to diet and lifestyle.

Physical and emotional wellness is achieved through consuming nutritionally and energetically balanced foods. There is no specific diet, only general principles that are recommended for optimum health.

One must consider climate, activity level, gender, and overall health condition. Low fat, high fiber, unprocessed foods including a wide variety of vegetables, grains, beans, sea vegetables, nuts and seeds, along with some fruit and fish generally make up a well balanced diet. There has been enough research done to prove this diet is ideal – and when you live it, you ask yourself "how did I live before?" The macrobiotic philosophy further improves one's quality of life by providing guidance: what quantities, what to avoid, when to eat, how to prepare your food,
and so forth.

A macrobiotic lifestyle has been found to be helpful for weight loss or maintaining weight, it has anti-aging benifits, and naturally wards off illness and disease because it provides essential vitamins and nutrients in their purest form. Furthermore, it increases energy and stabilizes mood and emotions. Those who try it find it hard to live any other lifestyle – it simply feels "right."

Who is Zara?

Zara was raised in southern California. She has a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from The University of San Francisco. During college she adopted a macrobiotic approach to diet and lifestyle to increase energy and stay focused while running competitively.

She grew up wanting to help people – thus, becoming a doctor was the career path that resonated with her first, so she pursued it.

However, having witnessed various family members suffer from multiple diseases and wanting answers, and through research and her own experiences, Zara eventually found that conventional Western medicine merely provides temporary relief for symptoms, and only a healthy diet paired with physical activity provides lasting health. Studying to become a doctor no longer seemed as intriguing.

In her research she discovered macrobiotics and eventually attended the Kushi Macrobiotic Institute in Massachusetts, going on to join their cooking staff as head chef and cooking class assistant for two years. The macrobiotic training levels include in-depth study of cooking, macrobiotic philosophy, shiatsu massage, and oriental diagnosis.  She has prior experience working as a Physical Therapy Assistant and Personal Trainer and plans to obtain a Pilates certification this year.