I am very new to macrobiotics so I will apologize ahead of time for questions that may be in "left field."
I went into an Asian food store the other day and found some seaweed used to wrap sushi but wasn't sure if it was a good type or brand to by. I wasn't necessarily going to use it for sushi but things like soups, or other dishes. It just says roasted seaweed on the front of the package and the brand name is Shirakiku Brand, Distributed by Nishimoto Trading Co., LTD. a CA business but says at the bottom Product of China. The ingredient list just says seaweed, so there is nothing added at least.
The reason I ask is because I read something somewhere that says that some seaweed has been harvested from unsafe waters or not really the best areas. Is there anyway of knowing this information or does a person only buy from a known company that states information like this?
Another question I had is in regard to coffee. I know that coffee and other caffeine things should not be consumed but I was wondering if there was anything that could be substituted for caffeine. You see, caffeine has a big affect on me and with only one cup in the morning I feel so much more awake and I have to admit, happier. Coffee is something I can live without and luckily do not experience headaches or other addiction feelings when I don't have it, but sometimes I crave that burst of "awakeners" or happy creativity. It is as though I just can't get my motor running in the morning and would really like any suggestions or thoughts on this. I have never been a morning person even in my childhood because of this dragging, sluggish, icky feeling I have in the morning. Coffee was my cure for that, but now I understand how unhealthy it is but still wishing for a substitute of some kind to get rid of this morning sludge. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Something else I was wondering about is rice options. I need to read more about this, but from my understanding at this moment, brown rice is the most nutritional rice and best for you. (Please tell me if I am wrong.) Brown rice is good but I enjoy white rice more and do really enjoy wild rice also. I would prefer to eat white or wild rice majority of the time and brown rice occasionally. Can you please give me some insight on this or share your thoughts on, if this is, or is not, a good idea.
Thank you so much for any information or help you can provide. I know for me macrobiotics is not going to happen over-night but sometimes it is hard to be patient and be thankful, actually seeing what has been accomplished so far. One thing I can be thankful for is that- I feel I have enough stubbornness to keep at it and one day be a strong macrobiotic person because I do believe this is the way to a much better lifestyle and am so tired of feeling unhealthy all the time. Again thank you for your help.
Lil Miz Cheezcake
