Macrobiotics, from the Greek "macro" (large, long) + "bios" (life), is a dietary regimen that involves eating grains as a staple food supplemented with other local foodstuffs (vegetables, beans, etc.). Although in macrobiotics people may opt to use Japanese ingredients (Japan being the cradle of the contemporary Macrobiotics), according to the general guidelines, people should use the ingredients that are found locally (e.g. mustard instead of ginger) and avoid the use of sugar, coffee, and other highly processed/refined foods. Macrobiotics also addresses the manner of eating by recommending against overeating and requiring that food be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.