[effulgent]

Hello everyone! I'm from Dallas, TX and I'm just starting out eating macrobiotically. I've known about the diet for years and have used a few cookbooks and recipes off and on for a while. But I have some minor health issues, the main one being weight, and I would like to make a dietary change to help me get more centered, focused and uncluttered.

I'm also a strong believer in environmental vegetarianism (vegetarianism on the main grounds of the beneficial consequences to the environment), and have tried to be a vegetarian on many different occassions. However, each time I've attempted even simple Lacto-Ovo vegetarianism, I get sucked into trying to keep my same eating style but substituting "Mock" this and "I Can't Believe It's Not" that and get bored and frustrated very soon into the way of eating.

I'm trying to find a way of eating that works for me, and that eliminates animal products from my diet. I like eating macrobiotically because I like the simple recipes and whole foods. I feel better already after only eating this way for 2 weeks. I also like that there are guidelines (50% grain, etc) as well as logical reasons behind each food that is recommended. I've been reading lots of cookbooks (went on an Amazon and Half Price Books buying binge) trying to get different perspectives on the macrobiotic experience, to help avoid becoming a textbook Macrobiotic person who cannot apply the learning to real life.

Technically, I've had a slip up now and again. I had a piece of candy yesterday, and I've eaten a few "vegan" meals that were not true macrobiotic meals. But I've become very aware of every bite I put in my mouth. I think of the source of the food, who prepared it, how close is the food to the original form (i.e. does that carrot still look like a carrot vs a piece of candy that looks nothing like the components and chemicals it is made from) and things like that.

My macrobiotic goals are to ease into a lifestyle where not eating animal products becomes second nature instead of such a conscious effort and struggle. There's not a lot of macrobiotic activity in Dallas, but I'm going to keep my ears to the ground and go to cooking classes and lectures whenever I can. I'm also going to try to become aware of the energy (yin/yang) behind the foods and understand more why Macrobiotics works for so many people.

Anyway, I hope each of you have a great weekend, and I hope to be able to learn from all of you.