[jsvk13]

Dear Ilanit,

I am new to this forum, and to macrobiotics (not a rigid follower but using it extensively), and I have a question regarding portion sizes at meals. My meals usually run between 2 3/4 (br. & dinner) to 3-1/4 (lunch), with brown rice being my main staple (about 1 1/2 - 2 cups each meal). I should also mention a few things:
1. I eat extremely simply...brown rice and plain vegetables, rarely using miso and only using beans & seeds for nutrition's sake (see below).
2. I am a strict vegan and have been eating very healthy, though with soem refined/processed foods, for years.
3. I am extremely underweight and have been for many years, which has led to some medical conditions, despite being fairly young (27).

Now, my question is this. I am curious as to any 'standard' meal size in macrobiotics. I am usually comfortable with the amounts I eat physically speaking, but sometimes they seem quite large--and take a long time now that I chew more thoroughly (45 minutes!!!). I am also having a bit of trouble with my digestion, aches & pains, fatigue, etc. as I transition to complete whole foods (esp. the brown rice!). These things, together with yet more weight loss, make me concerned because I am making an effort just to get around 1450 calories a day...and so the meal size issue becomes more prominent as I try to figure out how to avoid putting myself in the hospital by losing too much more weight.

I know this is all fairly vague and helter skelter, but if you can address the main gist I would appreciate it SOO much. Thank you in advance.

Be well.
-Justin