Scroll down and read the many tips and suggestions on getting started from people that practice macrobiotics.

TEN WAYS TO MAKE MACROBIOTICS WORK FOR YOU:

1. KEEP COOKING BOOKS HANDY for referring to recipes. It keeps you from forgetting exactly what you need and how to cook things when you're just beginning.

2. KEEP FOOD SUPPLIES ORGANIZED to eliminate scavenger hunts while your items are cooking. Keep all your grains in containers clearly marked, all your refrigerated items neat and all your seaweeds together. Do this for your pots and cooking supplies as well.

3. THINK "OUT WITH THE BAD AND IN WITH THE GOOD" when it comes to food shopping. By clearing out your cabinet of the foods that you used to eat you will be less likely to eat them again. Every once in a while you can reward yourself with a treat, just make sure it's not overkill or else you're back to square one. I like to have a sweet treat once in a blue moon. Mochi is particularly good, but if this isn't quite your thing, try a small serving of sorbet on rare occasion.

4. KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU'RE EATING with a calendar noting the breakfast lunch and dinners that you plan to eat each day. Start with a weekly calendar. This way, you know that you're balancing meals throughout the day not just taking certain meals and cooking them again and again. Macrobiotics is about balance and just because you're cooking macrobiotic foods doesn't mean you're getting the right ones.

5. KEEP TRACK OF HOW YOU FEEL while you are in the midst of adjusting. It took me three months to notice anything. I had a great deal of toxicity from medication and months of eating the wrong foods that needed to be eliminated from my body. Those months were hard adjusting to the new food and how my body felt. By keeping track I was able to see the improvements

6. PACK A TO GO BAG so that when you are out you don't reach for junk. It s the hardest thing to deal with road cravings especially when you are bombarded by temptation after temptation screaming "24 hour' or "drive though". By keeping food with you in a lunch bag, you can resist temptation and eat what you should.

7. EAT AT HOME because you'll find it's hard to figure out what's in the foods you order in restaurants. Some places use oil some don't. Some places microwave, some don't. Since you are going to need every bit of help you can get to make sure you are really making a change for the good, pass on lunch with friends out at your old favorite restaurant and instead offer to cook for them at your place

8. SHARE THE JOY WITH A FRIEND who is eating macrobiotic as well. Some people find it hard to do lifestyle changes alone. Macrobiotics can be as strict or as loose as you like, but you'll feel better knowing you're not alone in your change. Go to health stores and start up conversation with someone who is buying the same tofu as you. It might turn out they eat macrobiotic too. Go to a yoga center and meet people. Often people who practice Yoga look to macrobiotics for health. No matter how you do it, find a friend to share the joy of living life with macrobiotics

9. INCORPORATE OTHER MEANS OF HEALTHY LIVING with yoga, tai chi or meditation. Doing so will keep you calmer and promote happiness. The breathing exercises involved help to soothe your nerves and ease your mind so you can appreciate each day more so. One of the concepts of macrobiotics is to sit down and eat your meal slowly so you enjoy each meal and you are thankful for the food before you. In modern society people are lucky if they get a 30 minute lunch break so it's very important to keep yourself calm and chew your food well despite being on a tight schedule. Breathing exercises can help in this way.

10. STAY MOTIVATED by rewarding yourself for a job well done. Keep yourself motivated by referring to your journal that described how you feel. Every once in a while look back to day one, when you were just beginning. Look in awe at the improvement you have made and the knowledge you have gained. You learn by doing and with macrobiotics, you'll quickly see that it is much more than a diet, it's a lifestyle. And the rewards of living this way are far greater than you could have ever imagined.

Melody Gardot

Food has a powerful influence on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. For many of us trying to work out what constitutes a healthy diet can be confusing. This is where, a macrobiotic approach can help. Macrobiotics considers the energetic quality of food and uses the polarity of expansion and contraction - yin and yang, to create balance, Whole grains are the staple food of macrobiotics, which also includes a wide variety of vegetables and complementary foods such as legumes, sea vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits and some foods of animal origin. Ideally, the foods are organic, fresh, seasonal and locally grown. The unique art of macrobiotic cooking creates delicious meals, adapted to individual needs.

Francisco Varatojo

Special advise for families: Try to make the most delicious food, make variety.

All children like desserts, noodles and tempura and if they don't get enough nice food at home, definitely they will go and look for it somewhere else.Take some time to learn cooking, and study the principles of macrobiotics.

Without study you tend to copy recipes and that is boring.Learn how to cook that you yourself and every individual of your family can flourish and that all their talents can develop. It is the greatest gift parents can give to their children for their future life.

Adelbert Nelissen

Take a few cooking classes. Many people know in theory that they should eat good natural foods, but have no idea how to prepare them so they taste delicious.

When I cook for people, I always encourage them to come into the kitchen with me to learn a few dishes. People are always amazed at how simple it is to whip up a delicious, nutritious meal, once they learn a few basics. A little time and effort spent preparing food for yourself is one of the best investments you can make.

Aine McAteer

Whether you are a beginner or a student of many years, I would recommend that you proceed at your own pace and discover what works for you. Classes, books, and other people’s experience and approaches are helpful, but ultimately you must develop your own intuition and follow your own dream.

Alex Jack

Keep at it! Keep your eyes open, outward and inward.

Andrew Vervek

Strict macrobiotics is a good healing diet in many cases for about 3 months. After that, pay attention to how you feel, and broaden the diet accordingly. Ohsawa's 10 macrobiotic diets are a better guideline that Michio Kushi's "standard macrobiotic diet" because they give you more choices and flexibility.

If you have many cravings for sweets, that is often an indication of protein deficiency, so either add more beans, or some fish, organic chicken or eggs to your diet.
Also,the original macrobiotic diet considered salt and oil as opposite/complementary. The unfortunate emphasis on "low fat" of the past 15 years has broken that balance and macrobiotics has become too high in salt and too low in fats and protein.

Enough good quality fat is needed for health and satisfaction (including extra virgin olive oil, unrefined sesame oil, and either coconut oil or organic butter in small amounts.)

Annemarie Colbin, Ph.D. -- top^

The one suggestion I would make is to remember to listen to the language of your body
and your intuition. This precious guidance needs to be included and allowed as part of
learning how to nourish yourself and others. It is faithful, and will not lie, although it
takes time and a sense of discirmination to be able to understand this language.

Listen to the hint that comes in a dream, or a feeling, or in the night. Learning how to trust
these hints will help in how you practice daily nourishment.

Anne Scott

It's ok to give into cravings, but don't give up! Forgive yourself and stay on the path!

Barb Jurecki

Depending one's diet beforehand, I would give different advice to different folk. For the overly yang meat eater, I would suggest more vegetable quality vittles, perhaps some fruit, and to go easy on the salty condiments.

For the more yin vegan, raw foodist, or lacto vegetarian, I would suggest some macho
macro fixings such as burdock, fish, and salty condiments. I think seaweed and pickles
can be beneficial to all of us.

Overall, I would tell an individual to read and take in as much knowledge of macrobiotics as one could.

Bita Hunt

Often I am asked what advice I would give to someone starting the macrobiotic approach. My advice is relatively simple. No matter what one's religion is, ask God to help you, to give you guidance, strength, perseverance and patience.

Draw upon your faith and your love for God, yourself, your family and friends. Know that your healing is not just for yourself, but for many others of various illnesses who will find comfort and encouragement in your success. Lose the fear - it already served its purpose in motivating you to make the changes in whatever choices of lifestyle that helped create your condition. Make sure you have a good doctor who will partner with you in your healing approach.

Sometimes, certain advanced conditions call for temporary conventional intervention. But before you start any treatments, see a good, qualified macrobiotic counselor, and start on the healing diet that will begin the discharge process. If you are willing to follow the strict protocol, often less intervention may be required than first thought.

If at first you don't like the taste of the food, be patient. In time, your taste buds will change and the food becomes delicious to taste - including miso and sea vegetables. When I tasted my first meal, I actually gagged and said to Mary, "You know, cancer is one thing, but starvation is a hell of a way to go." My cooking teacher, Sarah, taught me to be patient and with every meal, to express gratitude to God for the wonderful, healing food he made available to me. This was a big help, and soon, because my body was absorbing all the nutrients, I actually began to crave eating it - much to my amazement.

Last, but certainly not least, have fun! It is fun to cook healthfully for others and ourselves. There's no guilt, and it's a great feeling to know you can take charge of your well being. Go outside to play - it is part of our over-all balance and as necessary as everything else we need to do. Exercise stimulates the organs, blood circulation and discharge. It also strengthens the muscles and bones. I prefer tennis, Ping-Pong, walking and cross-country skiing, just because they are fun to do. There are many other things I like to do too - work in my garden and ocean swimming in the summer are among them. Whatever you like to do, do it and just have fun. And if during your illness, you've lost your sense of humor, well, find it, embrace it and laugh.

Healing is serious business, but that doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time. I remember when one of the nurses' aides asked me early in my healing process, "Bonnie, you look so great, how are you doing?" I replied, to my own surprise, "Well, all I can say is, if this dying, I highly recommend it." She looked at me, and we both laughed until tears came down.

Death is not failure; it is the completion of this life on earth. We will all pass on to eternity at some point, and feeling inner peace can make the process smoother and happier. I saw that in my parents and oldest sister - they were truly at peace and felt very complete in their lives, even though we felt that we would have liked them with us longer.

So as long as we are here, we should play - whether at work, in the kitchen, or outside in the sun. I don't know anyone, who at the time of their completion, ever said, "Gee, I shouldn't have had so much great, healthy fun in my life." Do you?

Bonnie Kramer -- top^

If you start your macrobiotic practice, connect with someone with experience in you area to study with. Your understanding of macrobiotics needs to be nourished with regular classes, meals, support.Macrobiotics grows 'organically', so a commitment to practice and study macrobiotics for a year will give you a chance to realize its benefits and beauty.

Christine Stevens

Macrobiotics is not easy, especially in the beginning, but don't give up.

David Briscoe

Macrobiotics is a big learning experience that should start as soon as possible and last a lifetime, so get going and never stop studying, even after you are healthy. However, macrobiotics is not merely a philosophy or attitude; it is also a way of life, so it is not enough to simply study the information no matter how clever you are. If you are not living the lifestyle, you are not benefiting

David Harvey

One piece of advise I would give someone trying macrobiotics for the first time would be to change the slat they were eating. From that processed, NA CL chemical, not fit for human consumption, laboratory only, denude of any life and minerals salt to a life sustaining sea salt gathered by humans for humans.

This biological change is the most important to me. It not only strengthens the immune system but also the mental process. This changes them and they will begin to see everything in a new light.

David Snieckus

Once you see the fundamental truth in Macrobiotics (or in anything else), it will change your consciousness and your whole way of life. You will not be able to go back to your previous view of reality; in fact, you may be astounded that you survived your previous view of reality (which may now appear to have been totally illusionary)!

If you don't feel this way; if Macrobiotics is a struggle for you; if you feel it's a discipline or something you "should" do -- then you're not ready for it. Please don't force yourself to do anything that makes you unhappy! The unhappiness will more than offset any prospective benefits.

We each have a very individual path in life. Let your happiness be your compass, and it will keep you on course. When the time is right for you to do Macrobiotics (or anything else), it will come into your life and grab you and take you to a higher level of consciousness. Discipline and struggle and force will not be involved. Be Happy and Be Yourself!!

Don Beckett -- top^

For someone trying macrobiotics for the first time, I would suggest making changes gradually, beginning with adding brown rice and/or barley and millet to the existing diet along with miso soup while reducing animal food and more extreme substances such as alcohol, cola drinks, and so on. I would also suggest that they seek out and stay in contact with health-minded people

Gale Jack

The advice I would suggest to anyone getting started. If you are getting into Macrobiotics
because your ill, have a big dream so you will grow, beyond your illness.

If you are getting into Macrobiotics because your are inspired by the philosophy and way of life ... make it your life and everything else will come that you need. Live your life by faith not by sight and all will be well.

Geraldine Walker

Keep self reflecting and stay playful! I had read this and heard this many times in my macrobiotic adventure and now I truly recognize its significance - in fact I feel it is central to my entire practice. I feel that I have been doing it all along in a way, yet I never thought of it in those terms. I feel that I captured its essence when I realized how one throwaway comment on a macrobiotic chat board would make me reevaluate my entire macrobiotic practice in a whole new light and feel like I had begun my practice that very day! Now the self reflection also extends beyond the kitchen to the meditation time, the yoga mat, the family interaction, how I reply to e-mail correspondence, how I am with friends - they are all merging.

Self reflecting covers a lot of areas and is an invaluable tool to check how our progress is going and how we are contributing to our own evolution. There are so many areas of macrobiotic practice that I feel are vital - so I hope that by self reflecting individuals will discover them for themselves and intuit how each contributes to their wellbeing.

And keep it fun! Even if you have come to macrobiotics to heal a particular issue - keep - or if you don't have it already - instill a spirit of adventure - think in terms of focus and application rather than strictness or straying from the path.

Ilanit Tof -- top^

The advice I would give to a "newbie" is the same as that I would give to long time practitioners: don't let fear dominate your life, whether fear of illness, fear of incorrect practice or fear of death.

Macrobiotics is NOT simply a diet, but rather, a way to approach the art of living. As such, it offers wise and useful counsel about all aspects of life. But it is NOT a religion and so one must avoid turning it into another source of arrogance, fear or guilt.

And along with that advice, as part of it, I recommend the basic adage that one must approach each day with what we call "the beginner's mind". In other words, there are no settled issues: belief is the last refuge of fear. There is no problem that cannot benefit from fresh examination, without the burdens of "knowledge" or the millstone of certainty.

James R. Caola

Macrobiotic is about progress not perfection -the format as to how we eat and our lifestyle pratices are as important as the food we eat.

Jane Steinberg

I suggest the individual approaches the experience with an open mind.

Jan London

Remember always to approach life with joy as an infinite unique Spirit having a temporary finite human experience.

Jan van Toorn -- top^

Forgive yourself for not being perfect, love yourself as you are, and take it one step at
a time. Like a baby learning to walk, you will fall down, stand up, take another step.
Don't become overwhelmed. Break it down, chewing one mouthful at a time, until it becomes sweet as sugar. Then you are bound to succeed and be happy.

Jean Richardson

One piece of advice that I would give to someone trying Macrobiotics for the first time, would be to stay open-minded, and seek a good teacher for cooking classes. It's important to have someone to mentor....and taste the food prepared by an experienced macrobiotic chef.
It is also important to meet other people that are learning to eat this way, share experiences, stories, and support each other emotionally.

Change is always difficult, and can be stressfull....even positive change. The support of a group, and making new friends of similar mind is very helpful. Most of all , it can be fun....make it fun, and don't take macrobiotics, and life too seriously!

Julianna Norrie

Any person coming to macrobiotics for the first time will need to know that they are looking at the prospect of a major undertaking - they are changing their entire way of life, IF they
take what macrobiotic principles and practices have to offer as seriously as they take their life. It is a difficult path, especially the first three or four years.

The most important attribute in so doing is to be as honest and as truthful with oneself as you can be - if you are, then whatever difficulties and problems you face, and there will be many, will be more easily solved and overcome.

Kaare Bursell

Learn and understand the Yin and Yang principles and apply them to your unique personality and lifestyle, rather than try to blindly adopt a "Standard" set of rules and restrictions. Experiment and see what works for you.Listen to your body and follow your heart.

Karie Heaven Claffey -- top^

My advice to someone just starting would be to become as educated as possible with macrobiotics in order to understand balance and the energetics of food... it is not hard and once you get it - everything will look different to you. You must give your body at least three months to adjust to any new changes you make in order to see the results... so stick with it, take classes, read as much as you can, ask questions.

Karen Martin

The one piece of advice I would give is that "The slowest way is the fastest way." That it is very important not to work too hard at eating too well. You have to take this diet step by step. As the blood quality changes, so will your thinking and the healthier you get the better choices you will make. If you try and do too much at once, the set backs are often too strong and you will get discouraged. Be gentle, kind and forgiving with yourself. This is a wonderful way of eating, but it takes time for it to become 100% part
of who you are. Give yourself that time!

Karin Stephan

For some-one trying macrobiotics for the first time, means that they are looking for something greater in there lives than what they are currently doing. Patience in watching the wonderful changes take place to bring forth the true person that they are must always be celebrated.

There will be resistance from the body in the changes because people program themselves to act a certain way. Be observant and patient with those around you.

When one person is changing it may be difficult for others to follow, because it means looking at things in the world differently. Macrobiotics is about your big life, not just food.
No matter what the journey - keep walking.

Karla Walter

Keep order in all aspects of your life, be committed to your dream and don't take it all too serious! Remember people have laughed themselves healthy and happy, without doing everything else right. Health and happiness has more to do with what you identify yourself with then if you are doing it all the right way. You can eat right; sleep right, exercise right etc. But if you do it all through an identity that is scared of sickness your focus will be on sickness and guess what you will attract into your life? Sickness. Right. So stay focused on your dream.

Smile and laugh a lot. When you laugh you let go of all identities and the purest you emerge. Stay identified with that, and you can neither become sick nor stay sick. How do you know you are identified with the purest you? You will naturally and effortlessly follow a macrobiotic standard diet. There will be no cravings and no ideas about right and wrong. It just tastes better then anything in the world.

Kristiane Ravn Frost -- top^

There are a lots of information's concerning healthy diet and nutrition. They make us be in confusion. But continue what you trust. After three days, if you fell something and try to continue. If not, doubt something wrong. Doubt once and but trust ever.
Study and study what is natural order and yourself. Some day and you will be free from what
you are concern. Correct food is base of the life and but "Enjoy your life in any case"

Kyoko Onishi

When you awake each morning, please face the rising sun and give thanks for your life and
pledge to do your best for yourself, your family, your community and our world..........then each evening thank the Kami for that day.when you sit down to eat please put your hand together and say itadakimasu (I am receiving), when you have finished please put your hands together and say gochiso sama deshita (it was a feast, thank you)..then you can have the happy fulfilled life.

Reverend Koichi Barrish

Try to move beyond seeing food from only a purely nutritional point of view where only
parts/components of a food is deemed beneficial, to seeing food as a life force that helps
strengthen and balance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. If the mansion of our soul - our body - is clean and strong, then we can bring forth our gifts and play in this beautiful house of life.

Lidia Kuleshnyk -- top^

Try it till you like it! It takes a while for our tastebuds to come around, and nothing tastes as
good as the clarity and well being that comes from eating well, feels. So hang in there.

Lisa Silverman

Keep it simple! Don't worry about buying all the seasonings and cookware at first. Build your diet around whole grains, especially brown rice, organic vegetables, tofu or tempeh, miso soup, sea vegetables, and some nuts, seeds and fruits. And don't try to be perfect.

If you're really craving something that's not on your diet, have a small portion,
then go back to your regimen. It's all about balance.

Lisa Turner

Essential for a safe and effective macrobiotic practice, is a combination of attending
cooking classes, getting macrobiotic guidance, and self-study.

Margaret Lawson -- top^

My advice for newcomers - take macrobiotic cooking classes, and find a support macrobiotic group. It is difficult to embark on this great philosophy and natural lifestyle without guidance.
I know a lot of people who did it, got lost, confused and gave up. There is a lot to learn and practice. Books are not enough. Understand more the philosophy behind macrobiotics; it is not only about food, the mistake of all newcomers

Margo Marver

Remember that everyone has a divine essence no matter what they eat.

Martin Halsey

Try to focus on the things that you can do, and remember that it isn't an all or nothing situation. For people that want to use macrobiotics to try to heal serious illnesses, set your mind to it, be determined to make it work, do the diet, and believe that you will achieve what you want. Have faith and relax. Read, read, and read. Take cooking classes, if possible. Look at it as an exciting challenge.

Meg Wolff

The two most important things I learned from my former father-in-law Michio Kushi, perhaps 20-years ago, is that if you imagine life as a sphere radiating thousands of points, only one of those is food! (Perhaps this was an insider's secret that doesn't get taught very much??!) The rest should also be discovered, tried on, played with. To keep an open mind is to have an open spirit, narrowmindedness leads to so much suffering...

When people begin practicing, they tend to get very rigid, like mentioned above, giving up so many rich aspects of their lives... so I believe that to begin, unless someone is healing a degenerated condition, their practice should be somewhat wider to facilitate a smoother transition. This approach is not for everyone, but I've seen many people turned off by the rigidity. Macrobiotics is a joyous practice, and a lot of mainstream people that I work with have been left with poor impressions from the past that, while perhaps not a cult, it smacks of too much restriction.

The other important thing that Michio taught me is "non-credo" -- don't believe, question everything. When people begin practicing macrobiotics, it becomes such an overly intellectual experience, and yes, granted, there is a steep learning curve for most in the first 3 years, but there's a tremendous amount of power in two small words -- non-credo. In a controlling family or society, those words can cause a vast amount of trouble! Yet at the same time, they hold the key to maintaining one's personal power and strengthening one's intuition.

It's like the front and back of macrobiotics... we practice macrobiotics to master our own destiny, but unless we experiment and find out what works best for each of us on the most fundamental level, how can we master even the most basic aspect of our lives, let alone find personal happiness and fulfillment?

Of course, I also encourage people to create a strong knowledge platform from which they can venture, and to study yin and yang, not only in food, but in the natural world, and in the world of emotions, shapes, philosophy and modern society.... and with good humor, to really strive to resist telling everyone they know what's wrong with them... and instead, just live by example, learn to cook delicious and satisfying foods that can be shared with friends and family in a loving, non-judgmental way.

Melissa Kushi, -- top^

You'll enjoy incorporating into your lifestyle and diet the healing foods and seasonings
that have sustained the longest lived culture on the planet for hundreds of years.

Meredith McCarty

See macrobiotics as a life-experiment, where self-learning is as important as any textbook knowledge. The centerpiece of macrobiotics is non-credo. This is a means of self-empowerment.

Change the "shoulds" to something less rigid. Learn, experience, reflect, revise and learn more. Curiosity must rule over fear. And faith in the mysterious powers of the body to heal must rule over blind belief in a dogma.

Michael Rossoff -- top^

Follow your dream: do what you really want to do in your life. Should you find macrobiotics difficult to practice; find acomplices, a neighbour, a friend: there's more fun in doing things together.

Have also a good laugh regularly, especially with yourself, with your own shortcommings and failures and your successes.

Mieke Pieters

It's better to prevent than to cure. The key is live in harmony with nature, eat organic locally grown whole foods, low fat, low acid, low cholesterol, (no eggs, cheese, dairy).

That means no processed or fast food, no animal products, (except some fish), no poultry, cut down on simple sugar; cane juice, tropical, (occasionally raw fruit), no honey, molasses, alcohol, or artificial drinks.

Macrobiotics means "self healing".

Educator yourself, read as many macrobtiotics as you can.

Mina Dobic

It is important to keep an open mind, and to recognize that the healthiest people in the world have diets that are very different from those that are prevalent in the U.S. today.

Their staples are rice and vegetables, to which they add bean dishes, but little or no meat, dairy products, etc. As we put this sort of diet to the test, its power is quickly evident in the healthful changes in body weight, lipid levels, blood sugar concentrations, and other measures. There are many ways to apply it, and I am convinced there is no one for whom it is not an appropriate approach.

Dr. Neal Barnard -- top^

It's impossible to follow a diet for very long that's been prescribed by someone else.
The macrobiotic diet that is described in a book or a consultation is meant to be followed
only until you come in contact with your own inner guidance system that will instruct you
on what you need to eat and how to live. Macrobiotics comes from within, not from without.

The best way to come into contact with that inner guidance system is to eat simply, especially
at first when you are learning how to listen to your body and inner voice. Simple food will reduce the inner chaos that modern life causes in all of us. As the chaos falls, the natural order of your body, mind, and spirit will start to take over. The source of that order in you has a voice, feelings, and impulses that can lead you toward your greatest happiness. Learn to listen.

Tom Monte

First I think it is important to understand what not to eat. Then you should know the basic mainstream of food that the macrobiotic diet is based on.

It is important to explore the outer edges of this diet so you can develop your own customized version of the diet, which helps to make it a more enjoyable and practical diet for you. In other words customize the macrobiotic diet to suit your lifestyle and taste buds.

This way you will be more apt to stick with the macrobiotic diet and you won't be setting yourself up to fail at practicing the diet. For example if you just can't live without butter then choose a butter with the ingredients being only butter(cream) and salt and that's all. Not hydrogenated oils of any kind, no fake colors, or any non-food ingredients at all.

At least your body knows what to do with real butter. It is still okay to eat a little red meat maybe once a month or so. That is not going to kill you. Just don't eat any animal fats if you can at all help it.

It is most important to stay as far from sugars as possible, because that is a very bad negative nutrient that your body does not like at all. The macrobiotic diet can be much more powerful in promoting good heath and longevity to your life then any drugs.

Randy Franklin -- top^

Learn by practice and not by reading. Pay attention to how you feel after each meal.
Understand that we are all unique and what works for some may not work for others.
The principles are universal but we have a tendecy to become too strict and too rigid with ourselves.

Even though food is the foundation of health is not to be obsess with it. Spiritualy,
relationships, career and physical activity are very important too. Be healthy, but have fun doing it!

Ricardo Dacosta

Hang in there, it takes time and it is worth it!!!

Robert N. Carr, Jr.

One piece of advice which you should give someone trying macrobiotics for the first time is quoting Bill Spear: "Be accurate,not rigid." Do not force anything, if you are not ready to do it, don't do it. Proceed slowly and progressively as you continue to eat the way you are used to. Only a few heroes/heroines become 95% macrobiotics in a couple of weeks or months, most of us inch into it over several years. The best way to start is by not buying and not having around what you should not eat.

If you want meat, chicken, cheese, eggs, or ice cream, eat it when you are out of the house. When you are in the house, start having seitan/tempeh/a good quality sauerkraut, even one that is commercial. Begin with canned beans unless you can cook them nicely, and there are some organic whole foods and vegetarian soups that can flavor your beans. The simplest grain to cook is quinoa and I recommend that over brown rice as a starting point. If you are into weight lifting try barley.

Robert Silverstein, M.D., F.A.C.C. -- top^

Give it a good try! Find a counselor and stick with his/her recommendations for at least six months before making any judgment or valuation for yourself. Be open-minded and be willing to change. When we are ill and out of balance, our intuition can mislead us and our appetites can fool us.

James McCaig

I usually tell people to take their time, unless they have a serious illness.
Gradually include different foods over time and don't worry about "giving up stuff".

Just continue to add healthy foods to your diet and have fun with it. Take cooking classes, read cookbooks, get counseling, talk to like-minded people to keep yourself inspired!

Rosemary Traill

Realise that it is not just about food!!!However food is a good way to start and then you will find/feel/understand more about yourself.

Understand acid and alkaline forming foods as well as expansive and contractive foods .

Go easy on yourself...do not jump in quickly but slowly include new principles and then throw out all the junk food and processed foods from your refrigerator and pantry. Plus don't give yourself a hard time if you have a sweet or a coffee occasionally!!!!!!!!!!

Sandra Dubs

Macrobiotic is not an all or nothing lifestyle, I continually use the expression
"just do your best-improving your life all the time." It's O.K. to go backwards, sideways,
up and down just be comfortable in what you are doing. After all, it is your life-make the most of it.

Sandy Pukel -- top^

Here's the biggest tip I can offer: learn all you can about the food-health/food-disease
connection. But at some point, don't be afraid to just drop the word macrobiotics altogether.
And while learning from the other methodologies (naturopathy, ayurvedic, raw foods, etc.)
don't be afraid to drop those words, too. Constantly re-examine the dos/don'ts, right/wrong
rules that eventually crop up in life. Staying healthy is a constant experiment.
So experiment. And have fun.

Scott Ohlgren

Be patient!! Healing the body and mind takes time. If you rush things by eating too strictly or changing your daily routine too drastically you will ultimately wind up bingeing or getting sick!! Also seek social support from others practicing and open to change in their own lives.

Sheri DeMaris M.Ed

Don't confuse vegetarianism and macrobiotics. Don't trust the experts and keep the spirit
of NON CREDO (I don't believe) in the foreground. Read widely on the subject of nutrition
and remember that one standard approach cannot fit everyone.

Steven Acuff

Whether the client is dealing with a healing crisis or wanting to improve old or
new health issues of body-mind my work and the fundamental issue is creating a
connection with them through their higher self and enhancing their desire to own health
and happiness no matter what is going on in their lives.

Susan Krieger

Study. Experiment. Enjoy yourself and make this an adventure instead of going into it
as a visit to the gum surgeon. I think it's vitally important to initially eat well for a
period of time, so that you can personally gauge how your body is responding.

Eating by doctrine or fear, is always short-lived because it brings out our inner rebel that refuses to feel controlled. This is somewhat of a paradox because, in eating unconsciously and unbalanced, we surrender more control than imaginable; we surrender to confusion, sickness and emotional instability. Sounds like a poor trade off, no?

Verne Varona -- top^

Advice I would offer to someone trying macrobiotics for the first time would be to take some cooking classes and go to lectures to taste the food as it can be prepared and learn some philosophy.

New people often get turned off to macrobiotics when their initial impression of the food is not a positive one.

Warren Kramer

Be happy, patient and flexible. Remember that the diet (physical food) is only a part of what
the practice of macrobiotics encompasses. Keep a larger view of life. Don't judge the food, your practice, or other people's lifestyle or food choices.

Self-reflection is a good teacher. Always remember that everything changes to its opposite. What seems difficult in the beginning will become easier but then again what is easy might one day be difficult. So be happy, patient and flexible.

Wendy Esko

Get a good solid foundation from a well grounded teacher who you love being with and feel
supported by, and then give yourself lots of room to discover what works best for you.

Wendy LeBlanc Arbuckle -- top^