We"ve already talked about the basic principles of macrobiotics. Let"s now focus on the philosophy of this type of diet. First of all, its followers believe that food has a kind of energy that affects nearly all aspects of our life: health, happiness, well-being, physical activity and mood. That"s why they avoid food that is highly processed or unnatural. They try to use what"s around them at a given time of the year, mainly seasonal fruit and vegetables. However, the followers also claim that eastern tradition offers solutions we do not have. This is why sea algae or fermented soy products are so popular in the macrobiotic diet plan. Most macrobiotic meals are prepared in accordance with the popular eastern philosophy of balance, yin and yang. Thus, in spring and summer months, more yin (cold) food may be consumed, while in autumn and winter yang (warm) meals are preferred. This principle helps keep the body at the right temperature, which has a tremendous effect on the way substances are absorbed from our digestive tracts and then distributed in the body. Followers of the macrobiotic diet plan often choose to fast at least once a year, although the practice is not common among those living in big cities.