May I introduce myself?

[folderwoman]

I am so happy that I have found this site! I am a 57 years young woman.
I love to sew/quilt , and cook. I went to the Kushi Institute for a week long workshop about 8 years ago and fell in love with the whole macro concept. I saw what macrobiotics could do and did do. Unfortunately, when I began to get well, I slowly fell back into the old patterns...sound familiar to anyone...I would hate to be the only one to have done this. It is now time to re-examine my priorities, and I know the way to go...introduce Macrobiotics back into my life and embrace it as the long, lost friend that it is.

I went to the eye dr. today and he informed me that I have the beginnings,(very small...but still the start) of a cataract. I also have high blood pressure, controlled with medications, and the last time I had my blood work done, they told me my liver enzymes were high. If that is not enough, I had an obstruction in my intestines the end of March, 2006, and needed emergency surgery! Needless to say, I have had my share.

I am not depressed, nor do I feel defeated. I know where to begin, but am welcoming any suggestions that one may offer, especially with the above listed ailments.

Be blessed, folderwoman

Unfortunately I can't help you. I am new here too but I wanted to say hello. My name is Catherine. My case is pretty similar to yours. I'm not afflicted with cataract but I have problems with my bones. I was told about macrobiotics by a friend of mine so I typed the word on google and found this forum. I would also be glad if someone could tell me a bit more about macrobiotics. I've already done some research on the net so I do know the great lines but I'd like to hear from it from a real person rather than an Ad on the net. I do love the japanese culture though and I read that macrobiotics came from Japanese culture. Is it true? I hope this forum is not only for experts or people who already know about macrobiotics because otherwise I would be misplaced. Well I'd rather present myself here than create a thread for my own if you don't mind. I am 26 years old only but have had an accident when I was 17 in which I lost my boyfriend. My limbs were badly damaged and I was hit by depression. I also developped an agoraphobia syndrome (if you want to know what it is, click on the link it will take you to a wikipedia definition because it's too long to explain what it is in details). Well I've had mostly psychological problems that reflected on my physical appearance. I became fat over time and could not exercise because of my bones. I had developped some form of arthritis that would make my limbs ache. So I had to do surgery for bone replacement. But now I'm still fat and need to change my lifestyle and eating habits. I can walk around a live by myself so I would rather choose a healthy way and I think the macrobiotics is just what I needed. It's also because I need something new to get me out of my lethargic state. So well then. I won't tell you all of my life here LOL. Hope someone will reply me. Moshi Moshi!

[Klara]

Wow to both of you - it's a pleasure to read in between the lines the excitement you both feel with something new (or old/new). And you both seem rather comfortable using computers, so there really is a lot of info on this site, articles, chats, and wonderful old forums.

But do be careful, you can spend ages on the computer and then end up being starving, and eat what's not the best for you just because it's there. Make cooking your highest priority. For your personal conditions, it's best to find a GOOD counselor who can give you personal advice. But just for general start-ups, keep out of the house most everything that's white and/or processed, and start always having lots of organic vegetables and good organic grains (rice, millet, barley would be a great start).

And just keep reading and asking questions - best of all if you can find people locally, either through your closest health food store, or just put up ads wherever you can. Then you can share meals together with others, or learn to cook in a more clean way, or just get ideas how to make mb fun.

It's a lifetime of learning, so don't give up if you get a bit frustrated. Folderwoman, I've heard of many who were once mb and stopped. Often when I ask why, I realize they've been given VERY limited information, and often not really correct. This is not an EXACT science, alot depends on your attitude, so be free to explore, have fun, and fill your home, kitchen, plates and everything you touch with joy and love. And if you're having a bad day, just know that's all part of the see-saw of yin and yang, and it will pass.

Chew slowly and take your time in your new adventures.

Klara

[folderwoman]

Thank you both for your interest and replys. I went shopping today and purchased some "food". Some organic veggies and some organic brown rice for starts. I have some millet and other grains and of course, some beans. I am reviewing some recipes from my folder when I attended Kushi Institute and am glad fresh corn is in the markets in this area! I am going to set up a menu,...actually just follow the one originally given to me at Kushi and go from there! I am very excited!! Your input was very beneficial and wise..thank you. Folderwoman