[Kismetwolf]

Hi Josie, I'm no expert but from my understanding Macrobiotics is based on a Japanese diet, so there will be many changes to what you were use to and quite strange ones too - but also new and exciting - delicious foods to try out and some that may take a little getting use to and others that you may reject all together - and that's okay.

There are many helpful people who post in here who have been Macrobiotic for years and can guide you further if you choose to be full on Macro but I wanted to share my experiences with you thus far as I am also Italian-American and I use to enjoy the same foods but now that I am studying nutrition, it is becoming more clear to me that certain foods do indeed "leach" nutrients, calcium, vitamins from the body, and some of these are "nightshades".

I haven't had tomatoes, potatoes or eggplants in the past 3 months and I really don't miss them even though I was raised on them, (same as you), but I would imagine that like everything else in life, if you are in good health and if you choose to eat them - then enjoy them moderately, there is no right or wrong way really, you need to do what works for you. If you enjoy eating the foods and if they don't give you allergic reactions, inflammation, or make you feel lethargic, then by all means enjoy them! They are in season and it is always best to eat what is in season in your region.

And you could most likely balance them by eating whole foods, whole grain breads (if you are not allergic to wheats), brown rice udon noodles, garlic, onions, olive oil, broccoli, watercress, cauliflower, lentils, limes, kiwi, nori (seaweed), etc. etc.. all the whole foods that are highest in vitamins and minerals.

I am not a strict "Macro", I am too much of a non-conformist (and adventurer of life) so a strict anything doesn't suit me! :o)
I enjoy making fresh herb breads and garnishing bean and rice dishes with various herbs that are not used in a strict Macrobiotic kitchen. I do eat a primarily vegan + macro diet and it works for me! You'll find the best way of eating that works for you, maybe you will want to be a strict Macro and that's great!

Or maybe you just want to eat balanced and healthier with whole foods and that's great too! As long as you are enjoying the experience, enjoying cooking and it doesn't become a chore - you will get the maximum benefit from your new healthy diet!