help! :-)

[denali293]

Hello!

I have just read "The Hip Chicks Guide to Macrobiotics" and I am interested in embarking on this way of life.

When I was younger, I suffered from an eating disorder. I was severely underweight and didn't have a period. Since then, my relationship with food has been terrible. For years I was in a binge starve cycle and while I am more balanced in my eating now, I still suffer from depression and anxiety and I know that a part of it has to do with my terrible eating habits.

I guess I just want to know how to get started. I can't afford to see a counselor or anything so I was hoping to get some guidance from more experienced folks such as yourselves.

Stephanie

[Cinnamongirl]

Hey Stephanie!

By far, I'm defintely not the most experienced person in this forum, but I think the most important thing on getting started is to be VERY patient and understand that the transition is slow. Also, be easy on yourself. The best way to start, imo, is by introducing more grains to your diet. Then, slowly eliminating processed foods and sugar. Another important thing for someone who's starting is to not create a million rules (prohibited foods, etc); try to look for the foods you should eat rather than rule out the ones you shouldn't. This avoids a lot of obssesing and anxiety. Keep on studying and good luck. Remember this is a process (a long one); there are no deadlines and no final goal other than learning more about your body and how to make it healthier.