Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 alicedc3 Hello, I turned 41 and found myself in the emergency room with heart palpitations. New Year's resolution: Get serious about health! denise2of866 Hello! I'm new to the group! I've been on and off macrobiotics for the last 10 or so years. I feel so good when I'm on. Thanks for having me here! The hardest thing about staying macro is support. happyandsam Macrobiotics continues to show up in my research as an effective way to fight asthma, and I'd like to know more about it from people's real-life experiences. savepawsfurever I have been a vegetarian for over 4 years, and just a few months ago went to veganism. I am interested in learning about macrobiotics to improve my health. I am vegan for ethical reasons. Sillylillycereal I am new to macrobiotic food and I want to be able to cook it WELL Welcome to all of you! I am going to give you below Reggie, our group leader's standard intro. She is away at the moment so I am filling in for the welcoming duties. I have a web site called Simply Natural mentioned there. For new members when they join, you can take $5.00 off a $50.00 or more order by using the code New at checkout. ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ Welcome to you. Please ask all sorts of questions, know there are no stupid ones and just when you think something you wonder may be stupid, read what kind of things I ask about. Sort thru the archives, links, posts, pix, polls, whatever. Feel free to add your own as long as they are related to veganism, mb or health and nutrition. If you have some neat business let us know. Mike has a great business I've plugged before but he's MIA, has cybermacro.com which is DA BOMB please go check out his sites, he has food, resources, cooking pots, anything you can think of he's got and his food, etc site is www.simply-natural.biz and my friend has www.kidbean.-com which is an entirely vegan, safe for the environment fair labor web company. There is a GREAT cruise 4th annual macrobiotic cruise sailing this year in March. Check out the site: www.atasteofhealth.-org. It's my friend Sandy's baby. Anyone that does end up signing up, please do mention my name as I am trying to not only help out a friend but get some help to go myself. Peace, and just know that I am The Macro Queen, Reggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 > Welcome to all of you! Thanks for the welcome! I'm 40, a cancer survivor, and I'm blessed with a wonderful family and career. I just found this forum and I'm so glad. Every time I go 'macro' as my family calls it, they give me grief. Okay, a hard time. I'll stick to it for a while and then cave. It's so hard in this part of the world anyway to eat different than the 'norm'. But I know I feel good when I'm Grain Girl and not SAD Girl. (Standard American Diet) Who wants to be sad anyway! LOL So to make them happy, I told them I will make 2 meals a week for them with lots of left overs. That seemed to shut them up at least for the moment. I was a strict vegan for many years when I was in my 20's. Moving across the country, going to school full time, working, raising a family, getting cancer, blah blah blah......well, I'm back. I'm taking it slow. I'm starting with cutting out white stuff. White rice, sugar, dairy, flour. I started on the 1st of the year. It's amazing that there are withdrawal symptoms from cutting out dairy! My goal is to feel good. Oh and to lose some weight, but I know that is just a byproduct of going macro. LOL I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and I'll be looking back on posts to re familiarize myself with the macrobiotic way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 Hey , I remember how difficult it was for me in the begginning and I congratulate you for seeking support. You know the first week I went macro after being vegan for 10 years, I cried everyday as I let go of all cane sugar and chewed my brown rice... > > > > > > > > > Welcome to all of you! > > > Thanks for the welcome! I'm 40, a cancer survivor, and I'm blessed > with a wonderful family and career. I just found this forum and I'm so > glad. > Every time I go 'macro' as my family calls it, they give me grief. > Okay, a hard time. I'll stick to it for a while and then cave. It's so > hard in this part of the world anyway to eat different than the > 'norm'. But I know I feel good when I'm Grain Girl and not SAD Girl. > (Standard American Diet) Who wants to be sad anyway! LOL So to make > them happy, I told them I will make 2 meals a week for them with lots > of left overs. That seemed to shut them up at least for the moment. > > I was a strict vegan for many years when I was in my 20's. Moving > across the country, going to school full time, working, raising a > family, getting cancer, blah blah blah......well, I'm back. > I'm taking it slow. I'm starting with cutting out white stuff. White > rice, sugar, dairy, flour. I started on the 1st of the year. > > It's amazing that there are withdrawal symptoms from cutting out > dairy! My goal is to feel good. Oh and to lose some weight, but I know > that is just a byproduct of going macro. LOL > > I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and I'll be looking > back on posts to re familiarize myself with the macrobiotic way. > > > > -- Food Coach Marque " Love Your Body, Love Your Life " www.Marque.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called "Sugar Blues" (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan though). When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before and I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't when I was consuming cheese. I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast for a day or so to get all the junk out of your body, or is it better to take it gradually with no need to fast? One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see the point, plus I don't enjoy it. I've heard that you really have to cook a lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options for us poor, single, lazy people? Tamara "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection."-- Buddha __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called "Sugar Blues" (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan though). When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before and I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't when I was consuming cheese. I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast for a day or so to get all the junk out of your body, or is it better to take it gradually with no need to fast? One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see the point, plus I don't enjoy it. I've heard that you really have to cook a lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options for us poor, single, lazy people? Tamara "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection."-- Buddha __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 hi there welcome aboard! Tamara wrote: I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called "Sugar Blues" (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan though). When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before there can be many reasons for this and without knowing more about what you are eating I can only offer a few suggestions, sometimes when you change your diet it takes time to adjust. your body mya be used to obtiaining nourishment from simple sugar and flour etc. are you eating enough wholegrains? sometimes if one doesnt cook them so they are really cooked thru it can also cause sugar cravings? are you eating sufficient legumes and legume products such as tempeh? are you cooking some nice dishes with sweet veggies like winter squahs, onions, parnsips, carrots etc? we need the sweet taste and obtianing it from vegetables like this is a great way. also plan some healthy desserts into your week - they dont have to be complex - even some simmered fruit with or without a crumble topping doesnt take long at all. and I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't when I was consuming cheese. a lot of people find cheese very satisfying - so look to your diet now and see where you can provice that same level of sustenance. Often it is the fat and solidity of cheese and chocolate that people crave. I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. there is a lot of info online - explore!!! Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast I would not say so. for a day or so to get all the junk out of your body, Actually as every cell is turned over and made anew you create higher quality cells. This takes time. Not just one day. your blod changes in 10 days then again another change in 3-4 months. you even get a new skeleton every few years. or is it better to take it gradually with no need to fast? It depends on yout situation and your personality. If you have an urnegt health issue then it may be better to dive right in. One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see the point, ever seen that L'oreal ad (not that we like loreal with their hideous practises) but with the catch phrase -because I'm worth it. Well Iknow it is not as much fun to cook just for yourself - it is always nice when someone else say - gee that was delicious but who better to nourish you than you?!! plus I don't enjoy it. well whether you eat macrobiotically or not you have to cook something so it may as well be balanced and delicious and yes you can minimize your time in the kitchen down to very very little once you get the hang of it. I've heard that you really have to cook a lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options for us poor, single, lazy people? there are always options with everything in life. I would not let that put you off. you can take it to whatever level you like. there are poeple who ar epurists out there but i also like a story in verne varon's book where a client did not want to cook so he suggested canned anf rozen or something like that - veggies and for her it was such an improvement and she felt so much better adding veggies that it opened the door. Ifhe had insisted she cook from scratch etc she would never have even made any changes. it may seem like many items take a long time to cook but a lot of those can cook while you do other stuff when you get the hang of it - ie soak rice overnight and cook for the day while you are having a shower and getting readin in the morning for example. and you can incorporate planned overs as I talk about in my cookbook (See my website for info on that) so you dont have to make everything from scratch yet you are having some new and interesting. there are so many variations and combinations you dont ever have to eat the same meal twice! there are heaps of short cuts and you will find these out along the way and i am sure pick up many tips here. Just start with what you can and see how you go __________________________________________________ -- Ilanit Tof - Signature Ilanit Ms Ilanit Tof B.A. (Psychophysiology/Psychology) Advanced Diploma Healing with Wholefoods PhD Holistic Nutrition (candidate) Little Tree Oriental Healing Arts Helping you grow to new heights of wellbeing with Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition ilanit@... www.littletree.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 hi there welcome aboard! Tamara wrote: I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called "Sugar Blues" (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan though). When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before there can be many reasons for this and without knowing more about what you are eating I can only offer a few suggestions, sometimes when you change your diet it takes time to adjust. your body mya be used to obtiaining nourishment from simple sugar and flour etc. are you eating enough wholegrains? sometimes if one doesnt cook them so they are really cooked thru it can also cause sugar cravings? are you eating sufficient legumes and legume products such as tempeh? are you cooking some nice dishes with sweet veggies like winter squahs, onions, parnsips, carrots etc? we need the sweet taste and obtianing it from vegetables like this is a great way. also plan some healthy desserts into your week - they dont have to be complex - even some simmered fruit with or without a crumble topping doesnt take long at all. and I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't when I was consuming cheese. a lot of people find cheese very satisfying - so look to your diet now and see where you can provice that same level of sustenance. Often it is the fat and solidity of cheese and chocolate that people crave. I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. there is a lot of info online - explore!!! Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast I would not say so. for a day or so to get all the junk out of your body, Actually as every cell is turned over and made anew you create higher quality cells. This takes time. Not just one day. your blod changes in 10 days then again another change in 3-4 months. you even get a new skeleton every few years. or is it better to take it gradually with no need to fast? It depends on yout situation and your personality. If you have an urnegt health issue then it may be better to dive right in. One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see the point, ever seen that L'oreal ad (not that we like loreal with their hideous practises) but with the catch phrase -because I'm worth it. Well Iknow it is not as much fun to cook just for yourself - it is always nice when someone else say - gee that was delicious but who better to nourish you than you?!! plus I don't enjoy it. well whether you eat macrobiotically or not you have to cook something so it may as well be balanced and delicious and yes you can minimize your time in the kitchen down to very very little once you get the hang of it. I've heard that you really have to cook a lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options for us poor, single, lazy people? there are always options with everything in life. I would not let that put you off. you can take it to whatever level you like. there are poeple who ar epurists out there but i also like a story in verne varon's book where a client did not want to cook so he suggested canned anf rozen or something like that - veggies and for her it was such an improvement and she felt so much better adding veggies that it opened the door. Ifhe had insisted she cook from scratch etc she would never have even made any changes. it may seem like many items take a long time to cook but a lot of those can cook while you do other stuff when you get the hang of it - ie soak rice overnight and cook for the day while you are having a shower and getting readin in the morning for example. and you can incorporate planned overs as I talk about in my cookbook (See my website for info on that) so you dont have to make everything from scratch yet you are having some new and interesting. there are so many variations and combinations you dont ever have to eat the same meal twice! there are heaps of short cuts and you will find these out along the way and i am sure pick up many tips here. Just start with what you can and see how you go __________________________________________________ -- Ilanit Tof - Signature Ilanit Ms Ilanit Tof B.A. (Psychophysiology/Psychology) Advanced Diploma Healing with Wholefoods PhD Holistic Nutrition (candidate) Little Tree Oriental Healing Arts Helping you grow to new heights of wellbeing with Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition ilanit@... www.littletree.com.au Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Hi Tamara, Ooooh, I can relate to your email. I too loved all the muffins, cookies, pies, etc... I have way more fun treats for breakfast than are even in my breakfast cookbook. You know I have a lot of clients who ask about fasting before starting a new way of eating. For most I really do not recommend it because for every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In macrobiotics they say every front has a back, the bigger the front, the bigger the back. Often fasts can set people up to binge later. I have seen a few clients in very good health where it worked very well for them and the cleanses I had them doing with lots of herbs to clean the system made it possible for the foods to then work that much better right from the start. If you just begin to chew your whole grains very well (this does not mean whole grain bread which is a flour product. Some folks confuse the marketing with the truth and think anything that says whole grain on the package is the real deal...whole grains are like brown rice, millet, barley, etc. see www.susanmarque.com in the recipes + section for a free cooking chart.) and eating vegetables, some sea vegetables and bean foods, you will be slowing cleansing your body in healthy fashion anyway. Be sure to include some bean foods and the organic canned beans can make things very fast and easy. Without bean foods in the diet there can often be a craving for sweets or more food in quantity. To live well, we much eat well. Where in your life are you willing to put forth some effort to get the result you desire? How might you think of your cooking experiments in this way? In this months newsletter at www.Marque.com we explored releasing resistance. (also free) I encourage you to begin making meals fun and they can be simple and easy to do. In fact all of my cookbooks are recipes I've created while being very busy doing many other things. The first two cookbooks were many recipes that I created while running around being an actor and my fellow actor friends would comment on how much they liked the food or wanted the food too and would I please write the stuff down 'cuz we were all way too interested in other areas to spend much time in the kitchen. Though everyone wants to feel and look their best. Helping people eat well to create what they wanted in their lives became more fun for me than acting... Enjoy your exloring, creating and chewing! > > > > > > > I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've > told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers > could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called > " Sugar Blues " (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm > addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before > I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't > have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal > with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and > sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan > though). > When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped > eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I > haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before and > I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't > when I was consuming cheese. > I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much > here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. > Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast for a > day or so to get all the junk out of your body, or is it better to take it > gradually with no need to fast? > One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see > the point, plus I don't enjoy it. I've heard that you really have to cook a > lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options > for us poor, single, lazy people? > > > > Tamara > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and > affection. " > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Hi Tamara, Ooooh, I can relate to your email. I too loved all the muffins, cookies, pies, etc... I have way more fun treats for breakfast than are even in my breakfast cookbook. You know I have a lot of clients who ask about fasting before starting a new way of eating. For most I really do not recommend it because for every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In macrobiotics they say every front has a back, the bigger the front, the bigger the back. Often fasts can set people up to binge later. I have seen a few clients in very good health where it worked very well for them and the cleanses I had them doing with lots of herbs to clean the system made it possible for the foods to then work that much better right from the start. If you just begin to chew your whole grains very well (this does not mean whole grain bread which is a flour product. Some folks confuse the marketing with the truth and think anything that says whole grain on the package is the real deal...whole grains are like brown rice, millet, barley, etc. see www.susanmarque.com in the recipes + section for a free cooking chart.) and eating vegetables, some sea vegetables and bean foods, you will be slowing cleansing your body in healthy fashion anyway. Be sure to include some bean foods and the organic canned beans can make things very fast and easy. Without bean foods in the diet there can often be a craving for sweets or more food in quantity. To live well, we much eat well. Where in your life are you willing to put forth some effort to get the result you desire? How might you think of your cooking experiments in this way? In this months newsletter at www.Marque.com we explored releasing resistance. (also free) I encourage you to begin making meals fun and they can be simple and easy to do. In fact all of my cookbooks are recipes I've created while being very busy doing many other things. The first two cookbooks were many recipes that I created while running around being an actor and my fellow actor friends would comment on how much they liked the food or wanted the food too and would I please write the stuff down 'cuz we were all way too interested in other areas to spend much time in the kitchen. Though everyone wants to feel and look their best. Helping people eat well to create what they wanted in their lives became more fun for me than acting... Enjoy your exloring, creating and chewing! > > > > > > > I'm one of the 5 new members also. I laughed about the sugar comment--I've > told lots of folks that the reason I went vegetarian was so that Snickers > could have it's own food group. I remember reading years ago a book called > " Sugar Blues " (or skimming it) and I need to dig it out again as I know I'm > addicted. I live 20 miles from the nearest grocery story and I know before > I head out to my house every night, I don't feel emotionally safe if I don't > have something sweet in the house. It can be something as simple as oatmeal > with vanilla flavored soy milk, but my weakness is muffins, cookies, and > sometimes I go through an ice cream binge (not much since becoming vegan > though). > When I became vegan though, I thought I would miss cheese (I had stopped > eating eggs and drinking milk, eating yogurt, etc. for a while) but I > haven't at all. However, I have noticed I crave sugar worse than before and > I think about chocolate and ice cream and things like that when I didn't > when I was consuming cheese. > I know next to nothing about macrobiotics, but am hoping to learn as much > here as possible and/or through recommended books and/or websites. > Is it recommended that before you start a macrobiotic diet you fast for a > day or so to get all the junk out of your body, or is it better to take it > gradually with no need to fast? > One thing I worry about is I hate to cook; I live alone, so just don't see > the point, plus I don't enjoy it. I've heard that you really have to cook a > lot to do the macrobiotic diet properly. Is that true, or are there options > for us poor, single, lazy people? > > > > Tamara > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and > affection. " > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, Your questions are excellent and you've been given lots of great advice. Sorry you're so isolated, that does make it more challenging. I totally support buying from 's site - you can make it a regular purchase so you're never out of brown rice or anything else. And save on gas as well!!!! Plus you'll be getting high quality - it took me quite a while to make the many adjustments to mb - one of them being buying organic as opposed to going for cheap - I realized so clearly after how differently the food came out - especially with brown rice (and other grains/beans as well). Plus has items you just can't find, even in a well equipped health food store - a lot of different kinds of condiments which can make your cooking easier and more exciting - go for mochi, super easy (just pan fried, I love it, with drop of shoyu) and super up there in the high quality foods. and amasake, wow, do I envy you for being able to get all those different kinds - we're not able to get it here where I live. One of the bigger mistakes I made as a newbie was cooking large quantities, and then eating it for days on end - it took me a while to figure out how much I need so I don't keep eating same food for long time. For miso soup I used to just pour water into a pot and start adding all sorts of ingredients - and then have soup all day long - now I measure either 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups water and limit the vegetables to 2 -3 kinds, and put alot less of each in and measure the miso, instead of just dumping in and tasting and adjusting and dumping and...... I think I may have confused the posts - below you write of all the things you love to make - so maybe it wasn't you who wrote you didn't like to cook - sorry There really are some wonderful sites on the web - again, I would start with 's site - you could do a search for particular subjects you want to read about - and there are some wonderful articles, chats, and very informative blogs - and recipes as he mentioned. (btw, , I got lost in the recipe area - didn't it used to be organized according to what kind of dish, dessert, main dish, vegetable, etc?? - it took me a while to find the chestnut puree you had posted - maybe it appears in different places??). On this site you're on (veganmacrobiotics), you can go to links and files and find more info. re chewing - wow, you're ready for that??!!! That's mb 101 advanced class!!!! Took me a long time to get to concentrating on chewing, and still don't always do it - but yes, ideal for food to be liquid in mouth before swallowing. Also ideal to be totally focused when eating, to not be side tracked doing other things like reading, even talking - but again, big rule in mb is flexibility - so don't get hard on yourself if not 100% in the chewing area - but the more you chew, the more the food works for you!!!! Funny story with this - when I was just beginning, I remember asking how one chews rice cakes (and at the time I thought eating rice cakes qualifies for the grain, soymilk for the beans, and would have all sorts of other ready foods (cereals, ready hummous, peanut butter) though I was eating ok that way - have come a long way since those days :>) - and I remember so clearly the response of the teacher, not exactly what he said, but along the lines of rice cakes isn't the best for the chewing - and realized I still had what to learn!!!!!! re soaking - I usually put it up in the evening and cook in the morning, or put it to soak in the morning, and cook in the evening. 24 hours is a bit too much. Again no rigid rules, I believe someone posted earlier even soaking for a short while is useful. re pearl barley - even that one still has me confused - but know that the barley you can get from is a great one - plus he also has hato mugi, a very special barley, that you can mix in with other grains. I always got confused knowing one of the barleys was not as high quality (you can tell when cooked, not as chewy) but never understood which was which. But whichever one is the good quality, is an excellent grain to have. Again, what is good to eat and what is not depends alot on your condition and what you are trying to achieve - also things like the season, what else you are eating, etc. But all that knowledge should come with time and experience. In the meanwhile, barley is great, especially in soups!! the discussion of what is macrobiotic food is always coming up in mb circles - the highest position is all is allowed, you just have to know how it effects you and how to balance it - but for a beginner, you just have to take it one step at a time - I remember at the beginning I was constantly shocked, what this too I can't eat??? So generally, we don't drink the herb teas that you may be familiar with -(guess I should add a qualifier here because I'm sure some people do - I no longer do) again I believe on 's site there's a discussion on the different teas - bancha tea is a common mb tea, but there are others - as for coffee, there are coffee substitutes which are better as they are grain based. Wine is quite yin, again depends if that's what you need. But there are other high quality yin foods (sweet vegetables) which also work for relaxing you. Slowly you will eat more of the grains/beans/vegetables and less of the stimulating foods that are more extreme in their effects. I think trying to get it all at the beginning can be overwhelming - so go at your own pace and relax and enjoy. It's a great adventure. Klara wrote: Hi Tamara, Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of $50.00 or more. From: VeganMacrobiotics [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of TamaraSent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PMTo: VeganMacrobiotics Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the group was started, but that will take me a while. In the meantime, I have a few more questions: 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes liquid before swallowing--is that correct? 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl barley--is that an OK grain? 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of wine in the evenings to relax me. Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. Tamara "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection."-- Buddha __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, Your questions are excellent and you've been given lots of great advice. Sorry you're so isolated, that does make it more challenging. I totally support buying from 's site - you can make it a regular purchase so you're never out of brown rice or anything else. And save on gas as well!!!! Plus you'll be getting high quality - it took me quite a while to make the many adjustments to mb - one of them being buying organic as opposed to going for cheap - I realized so clearly after how differently the food came out - especially with brown rice (and other grains/beans as well). Plus has items you just can't find, even in a well equipped health food store - a lot of different kinds of condiments which can make your cooking easier and more exciting - go for mochi, super easy (just pan fried, I love it, with drop of shoyu) and super up there in the high quality foods. and amasake, wow, do I envy you for being able to get all those different kinds - we're not able to get it here where I live. One of the bigger mistakes I made as a newbie was cooking large quantities, and then eating it for days on end - it took me a while to figure out how much I need so I don't keep eating same food for long time. For miso soup I used to just pour water into a pot and start adding all sorts of ingredients - and then have soup all day long - now I measure either 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups water and limit the vegetables to 2 -3 kinds, and put alot less of each in and measure the miso, instead of just dumping in and tasting and adjusting and dumping and...... I think I may have confused the posts - below you write of all the things you love to make - so maybe it wasn't you who wrote you didn't like to cook - sorry There really are some wonderful sites on the web - again, I would start with 's site - you could do a search for particular subjects you want to read about - and there are some wonderful articles, chats, and very informative blogs - and recipes as he mentioned. (btw, , I got lost in the recipe area - didn't it used to be organized according to what kind of dish, dessert, main dish, vegetable, etc?? - it took me a while to find the chestnut puree you had posted - maybe it appears in different places??). On this site you're on (veganmacrobiotics), you can go to links and files and find more info. re chewing - wow, you're ready for that??!!! That's mb 101 advanced class!!!! Took me a long time to get to concentrating on chewing, and still don't always do it - but yes, ideal for food to be liquid in mouth before swallowing. Also ideal to be totally focused when eating, to not be side tracked doing other things like reading, even talking - but again, big rule in mb is flexibility - so don't get hard on yourself if not 100% in the chewing area - but the more you chew, the more the food works for you!!!! Funny story with this - when I was just beginning, I remember asking how one chews rice cakes (and at the time I thought eating rice cakes qualifies for the grain, soymilk for the beans, and would have all sorts of other ready foods (cereals, ready hummous, peanut butter) though I was eating ok that way - have come a long way since those days :>) - and I remember so clearly the response of the teacher, not exactly what he said, but along the lines of rice cakes isn't the best for the chewing - and realized I still had what to learn!!!!!! re soaking - I usually put it up in the evening and cook in the morning, or put it to soak in the morning, and cook in the evening. 24 hours is a bit too much. Again no rigid rules, I believe someone posted earlier even soaking for a short while is useful. re pearl barley - even that one still has me confused - but know that the barley you can get from is a great one - plus he also has hato mugi, a very special barley, that you can mix in with other grains. I always got confused knowing one of the barleys was not as high quality (you can tell when cooked, not as chewy) but never understood which was which. But whichever one is the good quality, is an excellent grain to have. Again, what is good to eat and what is not depends alot on your condition and what you are trying to achieve - also things like the season, what else you are eating, etc. But all that knowledge should come with time and experience. In the meanwhile, barley is great, especially in soups!! the discussion of what is macrobiotic food is always coming up in mb circles - the highest position is all is allowed, you just have to know how it effects you and how to balance it - but for a beginner, you just have to take it one step at a time - I remember at the beginning I was constantly shocked, what this too I can't eat??? So generally, we don't drink the herb teas that you may be familiar with -(guess I should add a qualifier here because I'm sure some people do - I no longer do) again I believe on 's site there's a discussion on the different teas - bancha tea is a common mb tea, but there are others - as for coffee, there are coffee substitutes which are better as they are grain based. Wine is quite yin, again depends if that's what you need. But there are other high quality yin foods (sweet vegetables) which also work for relaxing you. Slowly you will eat more of the grains/beans/vegetables and less of the stimulating foods that are more extreme in their effects. I think trying to get it all at the beginning can be overwhelming - so go at your own pace and relax and enjoy. It's a great adventure. Klara wrote: Hi Tamara, Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of $50.00 or more. From: VeganMacrobiotics [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of TamaraSent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PMTo: VeganMacrobiotics Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the group was started, but that will take me a while. In the meantime, I have a few more questions: 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes liquid before swallowing--is that correct? 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl barley--is that an OK grain? 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of wine in the evenings to relax me. Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. Tamara "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection."-- Buddha __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, Your questions are excellent and you've been given lots of great advice. Sorry you're so isolated, that does make it more challenging. I totally support buying from 's site - you can make it a regular purchase so you're never out of brown rice or anything else. And save on gas as well!!!! Plus you'll be getting high quality - it took me quite a while to make the many adjustments to mb - one of them being buying organic as opposed to going for cheap - I realized so clearly after how differently the food came out - especially with brown rice (and other grains/beans as well). Plus has items you just can't find, even in a well equipped health food store - a lot of different kinds of condiments which can make your cooking easier and more exciting - go for mochi, super easy (just pan fried, I love it, with drop of shoyu) and super up there in the high quality foods. and amasake, wow, do I envy you for being able to get all those different kinds - we're not able to get it here where I live. One of the bigger mistakes I made as a newbie was cooking large quantities, and then eating it for days on end - it took me a while to figure out how much I need so I don't keep eating same food for long time. For miso soup I used to just pour water into a pot and start adding all sorts of ingredients - and then have soup all day long - now I measure either 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups water and limit the vegetables to 2 -3 kinds, and put alot less of each in and measure the miso, instead of just dumping in and tasting and adjusting and dumping and...... I think I may have confused the posts - below you write of all the things you love to make - so maybe it wasn't you who wrote you didn't like to cook - sorry There really are some wonderful sites on the web - again, I would start with 's site - you could do a search for particular subjects you want to read about - and there are some wonderful articles, chats, and very informative blogs - and recipes as he mentioned. (btw, , I got lost in the recipe area - didn't it used to be organized according to what kind of dish, dessert, main dish, vegetable, etc?? - it took me a while to find the chestnut puree you had posted - maybe it appears in different places??). On this site you're on (veganmacrobiotics), you can go to links and files and find more info. re chewing - wow, you're ready for that??!!! That's mb 101 advanced class!!!! Took me a long time to get to concentrating on chewing, and still don't always do it - but yes, ideal for food to be liquid in mouth before swallowing. Also ideal to be totally focused when eating, to not be side tracked doing other things like reading, even talking - but again, big rule in mb is flexibility - so don't get hard on yourself if not 100% in the chewing area - but the more you chew, the more the food works for you!!!! Funny story with this - when I was just beginning, I remember asking how one chews rice cakes (and at the time I thought eating rice cakes qualifies for the grain, soymilk for the beans, and would have all sorts of other ready foods (cereals, ready hummous, peanut butter) though I was eating ok that way - have come a long way since those days :>) - and I remember so clearly the response of the teacher, not exactly what he said, but along the lines of rice cakes isn't the best for the chewing - and realized I still had what to learn!!!!!! re soaking - I usually put it up in the evening and cook in the morning, or put it to soak in the morning, and cook in the evening. 24 hours is a bit too much. Again no rigid rules, I believe someone posted earlier even soaking for a short while is useful. re pearl barley - even that one still has me confused - but know that the barley you can get from is a great one - plus he also has hato mugi, a very special barley, that you can mix in with other grains. I always got confused knowing one of the barleys was not as high quality (you can tell when cooked, not as chewy) but never understood which was which. But whichever one is the good quality, is an excellent grain to have. Again, what is good to eat and what is not depends alot on your condition and what you are trying to achieve - also things like the season, what else you are eating, etc. But all that knowledge should come with time and experience. In the meanwhile, barley is great, especially in soups!! the discussion of what is macrobiotic food is always coming up in mb circles - the highest position is all is allowed, you just have to know how it effects you and how to balance it - but for a beginner, you just have to take it one step at a time - I remember at the beginning I was constantly shocked, what this too I can't eat??? So generally, we don't drink the herb teas that you may be familiar with -(guess I should add a qualifier here because I'm sure some people do - I no longer do) again I believe on 's site there's a discussion on the different teas - bancha tea is a common mb tea, but there are others - as for coffee, there are coffee substitutes which are better as they are grain based. Wine is quite yin, again depends if that's what you need. But there are other high quality yin foods (sweet vegetables) which also work for relaxing you. Slowly you will eat more of the grains/beans/vegetables and less of the stimulating foods that are more extreme in their effects. I think trying to get it all at the beginning can be overwhelming - so go at your own pace and relax and enjoy. It's a great adventure. Klara wrote: Hi Tamara, Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of $50.00 or more. From: VeganMacrobiotics [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of TamaraSent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PMTo: VeganMacrobiotics Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the group was started, but that will take me a while. In the meantime, I have a few more questions: 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes liquid before swallowing--is that correct? 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl barley--is that an OK grain? 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of wine in the evenings to relax me. Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. Tamara "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection."-- Buddha __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Klara and , Thanks so much for your responses. Yes, I've been reading some of the articles at Marque's site, signed up for the newsletter, etc, am going through the files and links you have here. We actually do have several organic aisles in each grocery store--even though it's a very small town, I work at a no-kill animal sanctuary and since the majority of those folks are at least vegetarian, the stores have responded to us by stocking lots of organic stuff. However, some of the asian stuff is going to be harder to find, but I'll get there. More questions and then I'll stop for today: 1/When cooking grains, etc. is it necessary to use a pressure cooker or is regular stove top cooking OK? 2/One of my best meals of the day is lunch, as where I work there's an excellent vegetarian (and they have some vegan stuff too) lunchroom for the employees so I get fresh salad every day, with seeds, nuts, etc. available and several " main dishes " . Tofu is served frequently as well as beans every day. I'm eating with people of course, and do you just not get to participate in conversation when you're macrobiotic? I'm only 1/2 kidding, but you're so busy chewing....I know that sounds stupid, but I'm asking :-) 3/I know this is going to really sound anal, but I'm asking anyway:-O I noticed on my 1st macrobiotic meal where I was counting, chewing, counting, chewing, etc. that as one's chewing you're sort of automatically swallowing little bits of what's in your mouth. I'd never noticed that before. Is this because my mouthfuls are too large, or is it just what happens? This would mean then that some of what you swallow is not liquid. I told you it would sound anal--hey, does this mean I am, LOL? I know in my previous job that I held for 26 years (!) we only got 30 minutes for a meal break, so we had to literally inhale our food. That is really a hard habit to get out of, and 2 years after changing careers I still eat too fast, though I have slowed down some. I'm assuming/hoping that the chewing and counting will have to slow me down. That can only be a good thing. Thanks for being patient with a newbie. I will contine to read, chew, count, and read even more. And it's good to know it's not an on/off thing at 1st as it takes time to change such a basic human need--eating. P.S. I see what you mean about teas, but I guess I was wondering if caffeine is a no-no, or if I will need to get off that addiction. I don't drink a lot (1-2 cups of coffee or tea daily) but I do love it. I have never even liked the flavor of the de-caf coffees, much less the effect. Thanks again, Tamara > Hi Tamara, > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of $50.00 or more. > > > > > --------------------------------- > > From: VeganMacrobiotics [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM > To: VeganMacrobiotics > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the group was started, but that will take me a while. > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions: > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes liquid before swallowing--is that correct? > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl barley--is that an OK grain? > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of wine in the evenings to relax me. > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > Tamara > > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection. " > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Klara and , Thanks so much for your responses. Yes, I've been reading some of the articles at Marque's site, signed up for the newsletter, etc, am going through the files and links you have here. We actually do have several organic aisles in each grocery store--even though it's a very small town, I work at a no-kill animal sanctuary and since the majority of those folks are at least vegetarian, the stores have responded to us by stocking lots of organic stuff. However, some of the asian stuff is going to be harder to find, but I'll get there. More questions and then I'll stop for today: 1/When cooking grains, etc. is it necessary to use a pressure cooker or is regular stove top cooking OK? 2/One of my best meals of the day is lunch, as where I work there's an excellent vegetarian (and they have some vegan stuff too) lunchroom for the employees so I get fresh salad every day, with seeds, nuts, etc. available and several " main dishes " . Tofu is served frequently as well as beans every day. I'm eating with people of course, and do you just not get to participate in conversation when you're macrobiotic? I'm only 1/2 kidding, but you're so busy chewing....I know that sounds stupid, but I'm asking :-) 3/I know this is going to really sound anal, but I'm asking anyway:-O I noticed on my 1st macrobiotic meal where I was counting, chewing, counting, chewing, etc. that as one's chewing you're sort of automatically swallowing little bits of what's in your mouth. I'd never noticed that before. Is this because my mouthfuls are too large, or is it just what happens? This would mean then that some of what you swallow is not liquid. I told you it would sound anal--hey, does this mean I am, LOL? I know in my previous job that I held for 26 years (!) we only got 30 minutes for a meal break, so we had to literally inhale our food. That is really a hard habit to get out of, and 2 years after changing careers I still eat too fast, though I have slowed down some. I'm assuming/hoping that the chewing and counting will have to slow me down. That can only be a good thing. Thanks for being patient with a newbie. I will contine to read, chew, count, and read even more. And it's good to know it's not an on/off thing at 1st as it takes time to change such a basic human need--eating. P.S. I see what you mean about teas, but I guess I was wondering if caffeine is a no-no, or if I will need to get off that addiction. I don't drink a lot (1-2 cups of coffee or tea daily) but I do love it. I have never even liked the flavor of the de-caf coffees, much less the effect. Thanks again, Tamara > Hi Tamara, > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of $50.00 or more. > > > > > --------------------------------- > > From: VeganMacrobiotics [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM > To: VeganMacrobiotics > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the group was started, but that will take me a while. > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions: > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes liquid before swallowing--is that correct? > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl barley--is that an OK grain? > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of wine in the evenings to relax me. > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > Tamara > > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve your love and affection. " > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, 1. Pressure cooker is not necessary but makes unreal grains and beans!! Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. Start where you are and the rest will unfold. 2. Good to practice chewing well as a general habit, but not necessary all the time, esp in situations you describe (dining with friends). I have to consistently practice actually. I used to be one of those food inhalers and sometimes slip back into that in stressful times. 3. I once chewed one bit of rice 500 times at a Macrobiotic Zen retreat in Japan. Some of it slipped down my throat, but not all of it. It can be done :-) 4. Chai tea was a very large fave of mine. Now, I just can drink it. It was b/c I changed my diet and didn't like that feeling of being so jacked up on sugar and caffeine. Your body will tell you what's right. Give it time. > > Hi Tamara, > > > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes > related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where > you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including > books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who > posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to > get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use > the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of > $50.00 or more. > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > From: VeganMacrobiotics > [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara > > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM > > To: VeganMacrobiotics > > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! > > > > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook > rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I > make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's > good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. > > > > > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so > far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on > macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have > on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the > group was started, but that will take me a while. > > > > > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions: > > > > > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes > liquid before swallowing--is that correct? > > > > > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you > cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in > a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy > brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one > brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next > closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just > can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl > barley--is that an OK grain? > > > > > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great > recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when > something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are > these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of > wine in the evenings to relax me. > > > > > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I > chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > > > > Tamara > > > > > > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve > your love and affection. " > > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, 1. Pressure cooker is not necessary but makes unreal grains and beans!! Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. Start where you are and the rest will unfold. 2. Good to practice chewing well as a general habit, but not necessary all the time, esp in situations you describe (dining with friends). I have to consistently practice actually. I used to be one of those food inhalers and sometimes slip back into that in stressful times. 3. I once chewed one bit of rice 500 times at a Macrobiotic Zen retreat in Japan. Some of it slipped down my throat, but not all of it. It can be done :-) 4. Chai tea was a very large fave of mine. Now, I just can drink it. It was b/c I changed my diet and didn't like that feeling of being so jacked up on sugar and caffeine. Your body will tell you what's right. Give it time. > > Hi Tamara, > > > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes > related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where > you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including > books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who > posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to > get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use > the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of > $50.00 or more. > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > From: VeganMacrobiotics > [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara > > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM > > To: VeganMacrobiotics > > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! > > > > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook > rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I > make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's > good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. > > > > > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so > far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on > macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have > on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the > group was started, but that will take me a while. > > > > > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions: > > > > > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes > liquid before swallowing--is that correct? > > > > > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you > cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in > a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy > brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one > brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next > closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just > can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl > barley--is that an OK grain? > > > > > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great > recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when > something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are > these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of > wine in the evenings to relax me. > > > > > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I > chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > > > > Tamara > > > > > > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve > your love and affection. " > > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2007 Report Share Posted January 7, 2007 Tamara, 1. Pressure cooker is not necessary but makes unreal grains and beans!! Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. Start where you are and the rest will unfold. 2. Good to practice chewing well as a general habit, but not necessary all the time, esp in situations you describe (dining with friends). I have to consistently practice actually. I used to be one of those food inhalers and sometimes slip back into that in stressful times. 3. I once chewed one bit of rice 500 times at a Macrobiotic Zen retreat in Japan. Some of it slipped down my throat, but not all of it. It can be done :-) 4. Chai tea was a very large fave of mine. Now, I just can drink it. It was b/c I changed my diet and didn't like that feeling of being so jacked up on sugar and caffeine. Your body will tell you what's right. Give it time. > > Hi Tamara, > > > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes > related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where > you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including > books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who > posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to > get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use > the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of > $50.00 or more. > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > > From: VeganMacrobiotics > [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara > > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM > > To: VeganMacrobiotics > > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow! > > > > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook > rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I > make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's > good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think. > > > > > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so > far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on > macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have > on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the > group was started, but that will take me a while. > > > > > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions: > > > > > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes > liquid before swallowing--is that correct? > > > > > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you > cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in > a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy > brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one > brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next > closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just > can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl > barley--is that an OK grain? > > > > > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great > recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when > something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are > these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of > wine in the evenings to relax me. > > > > > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I > chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > > > > Tamara > > > > > > > > " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve > your love and affection. " > > -- Buddha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 , I didn't understand "Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas." unless you meant stove top means electric?? Tamara, I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to. Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice. I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable. more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook. don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience. No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away. As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field?? Again, good luck with all these new discoveries! Klaraleslieanneashburn wrote: Tamara,1. Pressure cooker is not necessary but makes unreal grains and beans!! Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. Start where you are and the rest will unfold.2. Good to practice chewing well as a general habit, but not necessary all the time, esp in situations you describe (dining with friends). I have to consistently practice actually. I used to be one of those food inhalers and sometimes slip back into that in stressful times.3. I once chewed one bit of rice 500 times at a Macrobiotic Zen retreat in Japan. Some of it slipped down my throat, but not all of it. It can be done :-)4. Chai tea was a very large fave of mine. Now, I just can drink it. It was b/c I changed my diet and didn't like that feeling of being so jacked up on sugar and caffeine. Your body will tell you what's right. Give it time.> > Hi Tamara,> > > > Please checkout CyberMacro www.cybermacro.com for many recipes > related to macrobiotics. Also give a look at our online store where > you can purchase literally all the macro staples you need including > books. We have some great downloadable ones there by Marque who > posts here, so you literally could have these in your hand today to > get cooking. The store is at www.simply-natural.biz and if you use > the coupon code New at checkout, will get $5.00 off an order of > $50.00 or more.> > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> > > > From: VeganMacrobiotics > [mailto:VeganMacrobiotics ] On Behalf Of Tamara> > Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 2:17 PM> > To: VeganMacrobiotics > > Subject: Re: 5 new members, wow!> > > > > > Thanks, you've answered several questions. Oh, I cook > rice and things like that already and this time of year (winter) I > make big pots of soup. I love beans and tofu already, so that's > good. And I love to bake. I'll figure that part out I think.> > > > > > > > I have been exploring on the web, but the sites I've visited so > far I guess aren't detailed enough for me. Is there a FAQ on > macrobiotics somewhere? I've been going through the files you have > on the website, as well as reading the messages from the day the > group was started, but that will take me a while.> > > > > > > > In the meantime, I have a few more questions:> > > > > > > > 1--I gather that all foodstuffs you chew until it becomes > liquid before swallowing--is that correct?> > > > > > > > 2--And on soaking the grains, you soak for 24 hours, then you > cook as on the package? I do love rice and millet, etc. but live in > a very rural area, so very little choices are here. I went to buy > brown rice the other day and it was sold out--that's right, only one > brand and that's it. My town only has 2 grocery stores, and the next > closest is 80 miles away. They had tons of white rice, but I just > can't bring myself to eat that or instant rice, so I bought pearl > barley--is that an OK grain?> > > > > > > > 3--And one person when recommending a book, said it had great > recipes, but not all were macrobiotic. How can you tell when > something's macrobiotic? And how about coffee and alchohol--are > these OK? I love coffee and teas and I do like to have a glass of > wine in the evenings to relax me.> > > > > > > > Thanks for any info you can offer--now back to reading, as I > chew, chew, chew my oatmeal. > > > > > > Tamara> > > > > > > > "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the universe, deserve > your love and affection."> > -- Buddha> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > __________________________________________________> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Anne, Thanks for these very thoughtful answers to my questions--they truly help a lot. Wow--500 chews of 1 grain of rice--that is truly Zen. I was imagining the macrobiotic cruise and the dinners, which are usually offered formally on cruises. I was just imagining total silence on the macro cruise, as everyone was chewing, chewing, LOL. And you are right--I am trying to learn, but also to relax about the learning and the change. One step at a time... Don't know if anyone has heard of this book, but I'm in the midst of reading it--by Harper, PHD called " The Tao of Eating " . It is not a macro book, or any type of diet book, but trying to tell us that food is a wonderful celebration that we should enjoy and allow it to nurture our souls. By nurturing our souls, it will also nurture our bodies. So, I'm trying to learn to relax AND change to macrobiotic eating, but it seems to me eating healthily is nurturing the soul. Thanks again, Tamara > > > > Klara and , > > > > Thanks so much for your responses. Yes, I've been reading some of > > the articles at Marque's site, signed up for the newsletter, > > etc, am going through the files and links you have here. We > actually > > do have several organic aisles in each grocery store--even though > > it's a very small town, I work at a no-kill animal sanctuary and > > since the majority of those folks are at least vegetarian, the > stores > > have responded to us by stocking lots of organic stuff. However, > > some of the asian stuff is going to be harder to find, but I'll > get > > there. > > > > More questions and then I'll stop for today: > > > > 1/When cooking grains, etc. is it necessary to use a pressure > cooker > > or is regular stove top cooking OK? > > > > 2/One of my best meals of the day is lunch, as where I work > there's > > an excellent vegetarian (and they have some vegan stuff too) > > lunchroom for the employees so I get fresh salad every day, with > > seeds, nuts, etc. available and several " main dishes " . Tofu is > > served frequently as well as beans every day. I'm eating with > people > > of course, and do you just not get to participate in conversation > > when you're macrobiotic? I'm only 1/2 kidding, but you're so busy > > chewing....I know that sounds stupid, but I'm asking :-) > > > > 3/I know this is going to really sound anal, but I'm asking > anyway:-O > > I noticed on my 1st macrobiotic meal where I was counting, > chewing, > > counting, chewing, etc. that as one's chewing you're sort of > > automatically swallowing little bits of what's in your mouth. I'd > > never noticed that before. Is this because my mouthfuls are too > > large, or is it just what happens? This would mean then that some > of > > what you swallow is not liquid. I told you it would sound anal-- > hey, > > does this mean I am, LOL? > > I know in my previous job that I held for 26 years (!) we only got > 30 > > minutes for a meal break, so we had to literally inhale our food. > > That is really a hard habit to get out of, and 2 years after > changing > > careers I still eat too fast, though I have slowed down some. I'm > > assuming/hoping that the chewing and counting will have to slow me > > down. That can only be a good thing. > > > > Thanks for being patient with a newbie. I will contine to read, > > chew, count, and read even more. And it's good to know it's not > an > > on/off thing at 1st as it takes time to change such a basic human > > need--eating. > > > > P.S. I see what you mean about teas, but I guess I was wondering > if > > caffeine is a no-no, or if I will need to get off that addiction. > I > > don't drink a lot (1-2 cups of coffee or tea daily) but I do love > > it. I have never even liked the flavor of the de-caf coffees, > much > > less the effect. > > > > Thanks again, > > > > Tamara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Klara, I live in the high desert--around 5-6000 feet elevation (it changes from where I live to where I work) in the southwest. It is of course dry, arid, very sunny, but we do have winters. There's snow on the ground right now (which raises the humidity) and it gets very cold sometimes (down to 4 D farenheit a couple of weeks ago), regularly lows of 20s in the winters, highs around 40s. A great need for water and I've noticed drying of the skin and sinuses since moving here a couple of years ago from NC. The salads are raw, but the rest of the foods are cooked in the luncheons. I love it because, yes it is a treat to be cooked for, it's good, and I crave raw veggies a lot (most of my food is cooked though--not a raw advocate). Lots of beans and legumes available at lunch. Pretty healthy, though not macro (vegetarian w/some vegan available). Also as part of healthy living, is that the dining room is a glassed in terrace with the most spectacular views of cliffs and canyons and it's not unusual to see hawks and eagles soaring over the canyons--have watched a baby roadrunner grow up this winter and he likes to hang out on the outside deck (which isn't used that much in the winter by us humans). I do work in the field--I take care of about 40 dogs on a daily basis. Very physical work, outside a lot--I LOVE IT!! Getting paid to hang out with animals, learn from them, give them love and in a beautiful setting--how great is that ?? Of course, that's my take on it... Thanks again, Tamara > > , > I didn't understand " Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. " unless you meant stove top means electric?? > Tamara, > I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to. > Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice. > I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable. > more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook. > don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but > realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience. > > No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away. > As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field?? > Again, good luck with all these new discoveries! > Klara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Klara, I live in the high desert--around 5-6000 feet elevation (it changes from where I live to where I work) in the southwest. It is of course dry, arid, very sunny, but we do have winters. There's snow on the ground right now (which raises the humidity) and it gets very cold sometimes (down to 4 D farenheit a couple of weeks ago), regularly lows of 20s in the winters, highs around 40s. A great need for water and I've noticed drying of the skin and sinuses since moving here a couple of years ago from NC. The salads are raw, but the rest of the foods are cooked in the luncheons. I love it because, yes it is a treat to be cooked for, it's good, and I crave raw veggies a lot (most of my food is cooked though--not a raw advocate). Lots of beans and legumes available at lunch. Pretty healthy, though not macro (vegetarian w/some vegan available). Also as part of healthy living, is that the dining room is a glassed in terrace with the most spectacular views of cliffs and canyons and it's not unusual to see hawks and eagles soaring over the canyons--have watched a baby roadrunner grow up this winter and he likes to hang out on the outside deck (which isn't used that much in the winter by us humans). I do work in the field--I take care of about 40 dogs on a daily basis. Very physical work, outside a lot--I LOVE IT!! Getting paid to hang out with animals, learn from them, give them love and in a beautiful setting--how great is that ?? Of course, that's my take on it... Thanks again, Tamara > > , > I didn't understand " Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas. " unless you meant stove top means electric?? > Tamara, > I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to. > Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice. > I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable. > more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook. > don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but > realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience. > > No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away. > As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field?? > Again, good luck with all these new discoveries! > Klara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Tamara, Sounds like a wonderful place to have lunch - and stay there even after lunch - love the idea of sharing my space with the wild eagles. I also stare out my window when I eat - we live up high and have huge picture windows on our walls. But don't think I've ever seen eagles. KlaraTamara wrote: Klara,I live in the high desert--around 5-6000 feet elevation (it changes from where I live to where I work) in the southwest. It is of course dry, arid, very sunny, but we do have winters. There's snow on the ground right now (which raises the humidity) and it gets very cold sometimes (down to 4 D farenheit a couple of weeks ago), regularly lows of 20s in the winters, highs around 40s. A great need for water and I've noticed drying of the skin and sinuses since moving here a couple of years ago from NC.The salads are raw, but the rest of the foods are cooked in the luncheons. I love it because, yes it is a treat to be cooked for, it's good, and I crave raw veggies a lot (most of my food is cooked though--not a raw advocate). Lots of beans and legumes available at lunch. Pretty healthy, though not macro (vegetarian w/some vegan available). Also as part of healthy living, is that the dining room is a glassed in terrace with the most spectacular views of cliffs and canyons and it's not unusual to see hawks and eagles soaring over the canyons--have watched a baby roadrunner grow up this winter and he likes to hang out on the outside deck (which isn't used that much in the winter by us humans).I do work in the field--I take care of about 40 dogs on a daily basis. Very physical work, outside a lot--I LOVE IT!! Getting paid to hang out with animals, learn from them, give them love and in a beautiful setting--how great is that ?? Of course, that's my take on it...Thanks again,Tamara>> , > I didn't understand "Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas." unless you meant stove top means electric??> Tamara,> I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to.> Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice.> I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable.> more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook.> don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but> realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience.> > No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away.> As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field??> Again, good luck with all these new discoveries!> Klara __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Tamara, Sounds like a wonderful place to have lunch - and stay there even after lunch - love the idea of sharing my space with the wild eagles. I also stare out my window when I eat - we live up high and have huge picture windows on our walls. But don't think I've ever seen eagles. KlaraTamara wrote: Klara,I live in the high desert--around 5-6000 feet elevation (it changes from where I live to where I work) in the southwest. It is of course dry, arid, very sunny, but we do have winters. There's snow on the ground right now (which raises the humidity) and it gets very cold sometimes (down to 4 D farenheit a couple of weeks ago), regularly lows of 20s in the winters, highs around 40s. A great need for water and I've noticed drying of the skin and sinuses since moving here a couple of years ago from NC.The salads are raw, but the rest of the foods are cooked in the luncheons. I love it because, yes it is a treat to be cooked for, it's good, and I crave raw veggies a lot (most of my food is cooked though--not a raw advocate). Lots of beans and legumes available at lunch. Pretty healthy, though not macro (vegetarian w/some vegan available). Also as part of healthy living, is that the dining room is a glassed in terrace with the most spectacular views of cliffs and canyons and it's not unusual to see hawks and eagles soaring over the canyons--have watched a baby roadrunner grow up this winter and he likes to hang out on the outside deck (which isn't used that much in the winter by us humans).I do work in the field--I take care of about 40 dogs on a daily basis. Very physical work, outside a lot--I LOVE IT!! Getting paid to hang out with animals, learn from them, give them love and in a beautiful setting--how great is that ?? Of course, that's my take on it...Thanks again,Tamara>> , > I didn't understand "Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas." unless you meant stove top means electric??> Tamara,> I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to.> Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice.> I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable.> more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook.> don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but> realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience.> > No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away.> As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field??> Again, good luck with all these new discoveries!> Klara __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2007 Report Share Posted January 8, 2007 Tamara, Sounds like a wonderful place to have lunch - and stay there even after lunch - love the idea of sharing my space with the wild eagles. I also stare out my window when I eat - we live up high and have huge picture windows on our walls. But don't think I've ever seen eagles. KlaraTamara wrote: Klara,I live in the high desert--around 5-6000 feet elevation (it changes from where I live to where I work) in the southwest. It is of course dry, arid, very sunny, but we do have winters. There's snow on the ground right now (which raises the humidity) and it gets very cold sometimes (down to 4 D farenheit a couple of weeks ago), regularly lows of 20s in the winters, highs around 40s. A great need for water and I've noticed drying of the skin and sinuses since moving here a couple of years ago from NC.The salads are raw, but the rest of the foods are cooked in the luncheons. I love it because, yes it is a treat to be cooked for, it's good, and I crave raw veggies a lot (most of my food is cooked though--not a raw advocate). Lots of beans and legumes available at lunch. Pretty healthy, though not macro (vegetarian w/some vegan available). Also as part of healthy living, is that the dining room is a glassed in terrace with the most spectacular views of cliffs and canyons and it's not unusual to see hawks and eagles soaring over the canyons--have watched a baby roadrunner grow up this winter and he likes to hang out on the outside deck (which isn't used that much in the winter by us humans).I do work in the field--I take care of about 40 dogs on a daily basis. Very physical work, outside a lot--I LOVE IT!! Getting paid to hang out with animals, learn from them, give them love and in a beautiful setting--how great is that ?? Of course, that's my take on it...Thanks again,Tamara>> , > I didn't understand "Stove top is OK, but not as healing as gas." unless you meant stove top means electric??> Tamara,> I've never experienced 500 chews or macro zen retreats - I also notice when food goes down but not bothered by it. It's all a process, and not in competition with anyone else but just seeing how I progress (and progress means two steps up and then one down and all kinds of different variations in between). I agree eating with others is not the easiest time or even a recommended time to try chewing. If eating with other mb people, it's a nice exercise, and everyone stimulates everyone else that way, but I don't think that's your situation. I chew less when with other people, but more than I used to.> Great advice to give it time - but of course, that's easy to say when we've already gone through all kinds of experiences - harder when you're all excited and rearing to go - but it's still great advice.> I'm not sure of the connection between organic and working in a no-kill sanctuary. I'd taken a fantastic course in permaculture, where all were totally for having organic vegetables and being good to the earth, etc, but when it came to lunch time, don't ask what they ate!!!! the good thing is you might find others who won't be so shocked by how you eat and might even be interested in it - and then you'll have even more requests for your local grocery store, and support for you. But that's just a by-product if it happens - just a dream for the future, once you have all the other parts of the mb practice in place where you are comfortable.> more to your questions - as a newbie, I wouldn't be too concerned re pc or stove top - but further down the line, when more familair with using yin/yang to balance your diet, then you can know (or save this info for that day) that pc is more yang, more appropriate for wintery cold days, more appropriate for more yang foods (most beans, some grains - NOT ALL), and more appropriate for person whose condition requires it (a construction worker, someone ill needing strengthening food) - does get complicated, so for now just put great joy into whichever way you cook.> don't know what to say about your luncheons - maybe you enjoy it because someone else is cooking, so it's nice having someone treating you? I'm afraid to discourage you and give you my response - yet, feel it's not fair to you if I don't share with you - as that is why you're writing to the group - first of all, what's the climate like where you live? By fresh salads I assume you mean raw, which is ok sometimes, but mostly for hot summer days. Pressed salads and cooked salads are preferable - can you put some cooked vegetables into the salads?? to help make it less yin?? Beans (which includes bean products such as tofu) are a small part of the balanced plate - one to two tablespoons is probably enough - whole grains and a variety of cooked vegetables rounds out the plate for a well balanced meal. That doesn't mean every single meal must be like that, most especially when just starting out. But that is the goal. So I do hope I haven't ruined your lunches for you, but> realize which way to place more emphasis. Again, this will become more a part of you with more studying and more experience.> > No need for any apologies - so so glad you discovered mb, and it's exciting for all of us when someone new with their excitement shares all their concerns, questions and mainly their excitement. I assume you read Reggie's intro, there's no such thing as a stupid question - question away.> As for eating fast, you'll find with chewing you feel satisfied with less (save on money there too :>) - so do continue with the chewing as much as you can. Don't you also have fifteen minute morning and afternoon breaks? - instead of the old coffee, have another mini-meal, well chewed (what you didn't get finished at lunch time) - it should give you alot more stamina and strength for your day. btw, what exactly is your job? desk work or active in the field??> Again, good luck with all these new discoveries!> Klara __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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