Recommended beans include azuki beans, chickpeas and lentils. Soups may be made from ingredients referred to in the other categories. Foods stressed to eliminate from one's diet for better health, include meat, animal fat, eggs, poultry and dairy products. The balancing of specific foods is not the only important aspect of the macrobiotic diet, but as important is the manner in which the foods are cooked. Firstly, macrobiotic practitioners only use gas stoves, and, if convenient, it is preferred to use a wood burning fire to heat food.
Fire gives energy, vitalizing the human organism physically, mentally and spiritually.
Fire is also the foundation of human culture and civilization. The quality of water is an important part of cooking the macrobiotic way, too. Clean, clear, natural spring or well water is an important resource for macrobiotic cooking. The tools and utensils one uses to cook is also a significant aspect to the macrobiotic way. Three essential items every macrobiotic kitchen must have is a gas stove, a pressure cooker and a high quality vegetable knife.