Hi Bruce and everyone,
How we see mb is often a factor of how long we've been on it. Bruce, you're one of the long timers, so for the others, you may expect one day you may also see things as Bruce does.
There were a couple chats hosted by Ginat Rice on these kinds of topics
CyberMacro's Macrobiotic Chats
One was called Difficulties you encounter along the macrobiotic path on Feb 26, and the other was on May 28, Why don't people do what they say they want to
It's kind of a chicken/egg controversy - I'm sure food has the effects of changing you, but how do you stick to eating the foods that you want to create those changes??? I believe humans are very much attached to their habits, and changing habits which are so ingrained is a slow and arduous path. But definitely doable!!!!!
Of course, if you have high motivations, a good support system, or it's your character to take on things full swing ahead, then it may be easier. But if you're not fortunate in those ways, you only need patience and perseverance - and then you can always call out for help here on the forum!!!!! (btw, I feel badly as sometimes people do post and there aren't replies - just know by writing out your situation, sometimes an answer can come to you from within - and other times, some posts are answered much later, hopefully still being useful to the first poster. Also as some people have already found out, certain topics have been covered either by articles or other posts or by chats as well as on other macrobiotic sites and discussion groups - so take some time and read as much as you can)
I love the mb food and generally speaking I am NOT attracted as strongly to SAD food as I have been in the past - but my own personal challenge is I cannot abide waste and have a very hard time throwing out food, even though it's not food I wish to eat. I do have two wonderful Dalmations who are more than happy to eat anything (please no comments here from dog lovers how I shouldn't be feeding them this or that - I'm not asking!!!!!!!!!) - but just so you should know, I've been "practicing" mb for almost 13 years, but the other day we cooked up a huge pot roast that the kids didn't want - so guess who finally had some. So far I'm not feeling any affects and I certainly wouldn't have gone out of the way to cook it for myself, but it was an expensive cut of meat and I just couldn't see giving it to the dogs - but that's the condition I was in that day. Maybe I too will change. Give me another 13 years.
Klara