Macrobiotics strives to achieve health and longevity through balanced living and has defined itself as an art and a science. Taking into account all factors that influence a person’s health, macrobiotics considers diet, the climate and location where one lives, social interactions, and lifestyle. Illness is seen as the body’s reaction to disharmony in our total environment and its natural attempt at returning to balance. Diet and lifestyle can be very influential in achieving this balance. Some traditional and basic macrobiotic guidelines encourage one to eat more whole grains, beans and fresh vegetables, to increase variety in food selections and to use traditional cooking methods. In addition, macrobiotics favors eating regularly and less in quantity, chewing more and maintaining an active and positive life and mental outlook.