A macrobiotic lifestyle can be described as "the art of living while being conscious of the polar principles that govern the universe." Elements of this art include food preparation, control of thoughts and breath and interaction with others based on the knowledge of such principles as articulated by mystics and sages through the ages. Using these principles, followers of the lifestyle select food and other intakes to seek and maintain balance, mentally and physically. Students of macrobiotic culture seek to understand and harmonize with their place in the natural order of things.

The word was coined from the Greek and may be understood as techniques to promote long, healthy life.