[ChristinLee]

hi,
here's some things i've learned in my macrobiotic studies/lifestyle. Of course, dairy is not recommended on the macrobiotic diet, feta cheese included. However, unless you are on a healing diet, it is alright to OCCASIONALLY indulge in such non-recommended foods for various reasons. Whether this be traditional foods that are important to certain holidays, religious ceremonies, etc, or just wanting to be able to eat out with old friends in a restaurant where a vegetarian item that includes dairy is your best bet. I know quite a few macrobiotic counselors personally who (in good health) eat out in restaurants like "normal people" and even eat those foods you see in the "avoid list" in so much macro literature.

A note about silk and other soy milks, soy cheeses, dairy substitutes: Soy milk and cheese is one of the WORST things you can eat for any type of thyroid issues (and also for many cancers). Soy milk/cheese/ice cream is one of the furthest things from a soy bean. It is made from the oil they skim off the top of the compressed soybeans used in making tofu. Homemade soymilk is one thing, Silk, and other store-bought types is a whole other animal. On top of the fattiness of it, tons of salt is added to preserve it (notice the lengthy shelf-life). It is really all around not good stuff. If you must have such a dairy subsititute, rice based products are a bit better.

Never forget, macrobiotics is about freedom. About making your own choices to create that freedom. Chances are the feta will make you feel lousy (the longer your macro practice, the more apparent this will be). But understanding the energies of food and what it does to you is the most important thing. Anyone who has a long standing macrobiotic practice occasionally eats foods that are off the diet, whether they admit to it or not. It's the world we live in. I know for me, I'd rather have a good practice I can stick to, where I may occasionally have coffee and non-macro dessert with my nana, than be strict with my diet and lose that opportunity for the customs and traditions so closely associated with food in our culture. Just as you ate dairy in a restaurant, chances are you were out socially, having an experience you may not have had if you said, "No, I can't eat here, I'm going home." I'm not saying to go off the deep end, but you have to be able to enjoy yourself, or like so many others, your macrobiotic practice will be very strict, and very short-lived.

Check out a book called "The Enegetics of Food" by Steve Gagne. And also, the Hip Chick's guide you mentioned is a great book too.

Hope this insight helps with your decisions.