Hi There

[Lizzy]

Hi, my name's Lizzy and I'm looking into macrobiotic cooking for a healthier lifestyle. I constantly feel tired, burnt out, and sick, and I'm hoping that maybe macrobiotics will keep me feeling healthier and more energized. However I do have a question: I am worried about the costs (I'm an art student, almost all of my money goes to art supplies). Do you think costs or finding the ingredients will be a problem? I saw a list of books that people recommended to others starting macrobiotics, but does anyone have any other book recommendations for me? Does anyone have any helpful tips on getting started?

[Manymoons]

Lizzy

I was in art school (mid 60's) when I started Macrobiotics. Cost was a challenge, but keeping it simple proved to be more economical than the usual factory foods. At that time the greatest challenge was finding appropriate ingredients that are far more readily available today. Books and other liturature were also scarce.

The decision to go with this food has been a milestone in the progression of my life. It has led me on a journey that I could not have dreamed of, opening avenues of adventure that were completely hidden before. There is a depth and richness to this food that I never suspected and it has translated into a depth and richness to living life that I could not have hoped for. Art and life have become one in the same.

Study and continually consider the yin/yang of all things. This is the key to food and living. Were there is yin, the yang is also. Were there is yang, the yin is also. Green is most strongly defined by red. Blue is most strongly defined by orange. as example. Perhaps you can sence the potential.

The possibilities are without limit.

Manymoons

[Klara]

Manymoons,

So glad to see you're still here - always inspring to read your words.

Lizzy,

You're very lucky to be coming into mb now when there is so much available here on the net - there are many sites - almost all counselors have opened their own sites with wonderful info and recipes. And there are several wonderful discussion groups. But since you're here, start here - navigate around, there are articles, chats, forums, recipes - and as manymoons said, if you eat simply, grains, beans, and especially vegetables, you'll have a good start. Simply doesn't necessarily mean dull - you also have the advantage of I'm assuming being a creative person, so definitely be creative also in your cooking, once you feel somewhat secure in the basics.

And yes, there are so many more books than years ago. If money is tight, start with libraries, or used book stores. also check out if your local health food store offers free cooking demos (Erewhon's in L.A. did at the time I was there, years ago).

Best of all teachers is experience - if you are lucky enough to be close to a real human teacher, maybe you can work out an exchange - where you can assist her/him - a kind of apprenticeship - or maybe you can do that at one of the many mb camps or other events.

I'm making another assumption, that being a student you may also still be single - so take advantage, when you have semester break, go where there are mb activities, and see if you can volunteer - even doing dishes, you can get more out of it than you imagine.

As far as purchasing mb products, please know you don't need to use alot - a little goes a long way, so you can spread out your purchases slowly - I think the first thing I would advise buying is mugi miso, so you can make miso soups and have a great start to your day. (make sure to look at the shop here at cybermacro - great variety - and good prices)

Klara

[soysycophant]

The cheap MB diet:

-grains,nuts and beans in bulk
-good quality, fresh produce but maybe not organic(depending on where you live, the prices can range from cheap to horrible)

well..it is MUCH more complex than that. There is a lot to read on about balance and the advantage of organics and seasonally purchasing food...but if you just want to know what MB ingredients you can buy on a budget thats about it. When I am strapped for cash(my parents make me pay for my own food sometimes in an attempt to teach me independence, it usually just teaches me craftiness) the above is usually what I purchase. You might even find yourself saving money.

[Klara]

soysycophant,

even better than buying in bulk, is sharing your purchases. (with a friend, or with a coop) If you are sitting on alot of stuff, some can get old, rancid, or buggy - you need to be very careful how you store. If you have room in the fridge, that works. If not, very well sealed glass jars.

Nuts are not that mainstay a part of mb - I would go more for seeds - but again, both need to be carefully stored.

for fresh produce, see if there's a farmer's market near you - straight from the farmer, no middle man.

I wouldn't buy more than a week's worth of produce - fresh is an important factor. If you can grow anything, that would be cheaper and fresher!!!!!! Some things are easy and can just be planted in pots in the kitchen sill - chives, green onions, parsley.

Klara