complete newbie

[deus]

Hi everyone - this seems like a happy, interesting forum you have going here... sooooooooooooo...
I've been vegetarian for over 10 years now, and have often thought of taking the further steps to macrobiotic, it makes total sense in it's cleanliness and balance, and I *love* brown rice... I've ordered a book on it to help me start, but while waiting for it to arrive would like to ask a few Qs here if that's all right.

Why is milk bad for you? and is Soy milk acceptable for macrobiotics?
Why is honey not recommended?
Are breakfast cereals like bran or oats ok?
How much fruit is allowed? From what I've read it's more vegetables and hardly any fruit, is that because of the sugars in fruit?
I live in China and don't know a great deal of the language, particularly the more obscure vegetables/Japanese food (chances are the Japanese stuff sounds similar in Chinese, but i just don't know) - is there any free online resource giving an idea of what vegetables are recommended and what are not? I understand the potato thing, but have read so many conflicting things about many vegetables (and macroBs in general) it's confusing.
also, I simply don't know what a lot of the recommended vegetables and beans are!! any online picture resources to show me what to look for (good grief...how embarrassing!)

finally, any general starting tips? most of you must have been in a similar situation to me at one point... I'd really appreciate any advice you have to give... sorry if my points have already been answered elsewhere

[Johnnyzen]

OK. Milk is designed for baby cows. Soy milk may be used in moderation. Honey is not used bacause it is extremely yang. There are other preferred sweeteners like rice syrup or maple syrup, used in moderation.

Yes, fruit is allowed in moderation, mainly seasonal fruits like apples, pears, cherries, berries. Tropical fruits are avoided unless you live in a tropical climate. My macro counsellor recommended that I eat 89 different veggies daily, like roots ( onions, carrots, daikon, turnips) above ground ( squashes, etc.) and leafy ( broccoli, kale, etc.) he recommended a third of each veggie type.

You should shoot for about half your diet brown rice or other whole grains like oats, 35 percent vegetables as mentioned above, 10 percent beans, 5 percent miso soup. supplemental foods include fruit 2 to 3 times a week, seeds several times a week, and nuts on occasion. Some macros eat a little fish 2 times a week, but it is optional. Sea vegetables are also important, and are eaten in the miso soup or other dishes. Sea salt is also used. the diet is about 5 to 1o percent fat. Oils are used sparingly. Good luck!

[Felisha]

Welcome deus,

I'm new here too and I have been a vegitiarian for about 3 years now. I have also decided to start Marco today and I wish you the best of luck and welcome to the message board.

Oh and about the whole milk thing. Check out this website:
www.milksucks.com

This site helped me kick my dairy habit right out the door! I hope this helps you out a little too.