[Klara]

Hey there lil miz (notice what I left off)

You ask some terrific questions and I just feel your excitement - that's the best part of it all - whether you get "right" answers right away or not, just keep up that wonderful sense of excitement.

so, tho I'm not sure I have such great answers for you, I want you to know that your questions at least deserve an attempt on my part.

Yes, I also have heard there are better places to harvest seaweed - from what I remember Mendocino is one, and also Maine, but I"m not positive. I think you can rely on the shop on this site to give you good quality, so try starting there - I think you'll find a great selection. Also I would trust a health food store more than Asian markets (I found some miso in an Asian market that I was thrilled to find, til I realized it had msg), but even in health food stores, not all is healthy.

For coffee, and anything else that you are presently attached to, just slowly diminish the amount, and perhaps mix it with coffee substitute drinks that may be more acceptable on the mb diet - I think like everyone else who transitions to mb, all those things that you think you can't live without change as your diet changes - and in turn, as your body changes.

As for rice, yes, short grain organic brown rice is the most recommended, but again, for transition, try some other kinds, and also mix the rice with other grains or beans, (brown with wild rice is fantastic) as you wish - feel free to experiment. Basmati (whole) is a great rice to have now during the summer months and may be more to your liking. Also how you cook the rice can have an influence on how you're liking it. Perhaps you'd like the rice softer (add more liquid), or perhaps add more interesting ingredients (almonds, fresh corn, sweet vegetables - don't limit yourself to the same old, same old). Ditto with getting your family interested, perhaps just add one new dish, or one new ingredient in an old family favorite.

Or just slowly substitute something a little more healthier for the not so healthy things, like whole wheat for white. For the veggies, just add some into a dish, the dish does not have to be all veggies. Patties are great way to incorporate veggies, also any kind of rolls (like enchiladas, blintzes, tacos) with an interesting filling inside. Also for transitions, sauces make dishes amazing.

The fact that your husband doesn't verbalize any objections in front of the kids is a wonderful start. Try to find cooking classes in your area - it opens a whole new world.

Enjoy!!!!! That's the most important.

Klara