Macrobiotics and weight loss

[mandedah]

I'd like to say hello to everyone in this community! It seems like a very nice and supportive group.

I'm brand-new to macrobiotics but am very excited about it. My fiancee and I are entering into the lifestyle together and it's been going well so far.

Last night we had a dinner of whole wheat pasta, fresh string beans, sauteed tofu, and cucumber with lemon and parsley. Only a tiny bit of oil was used to keep the tofu from sticking. It was seasoned with sesame seeds, soy sauce (on the tofu), a few drops of lemon juice, and salt. We also drank bancha tea after dinner.

Does this sound right so far? The meal was so delicious and I felt so pleasantly satisfied afterwords, I wondered if I had done something wrong!

I am of course excited about the health and spiritual benefits of the macrobiotic diet but am also excited about potential weight loss. I am five-five and weigh 155 pounds, and would love to lose about 20 pounds. Up until my early twenties, I was just naturally thin with an amazing metabolism that would allow me to eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight. So... I developed some rich tastes! cheese! creme brulee! chocolate! I will always love eating; but being happy in my body, feeling healthy and living in harmony are so much more important to me than eating decadent foods.

I'd love to hear from others who have successfully lost weight through macrobiotics, and also general tips on getting started. We have a great book at home, but have some more shopping to do before we have a fully stocked macrobiotic pantry.

To Katya: I was really impressed with your post on how you have been feeling since starting the macrobiotic way of life and I'd love to hear more about your experiences. Email?

Thanks everyone, enjoy the day-

Amanda

[Rick]

I have a friend who wants to lose weight and -- naturally, considering American culture right now -- is leaning towards the Atkins diet to do so. I would love to refer her to any published studies (or even anectodal evidence) comparing macrobiotics vs. Atkins as vehicles for weight loss.

And as with virtually everyone else in America, evidence of the dangers to one's health, as well as the environmental damage caused by the Atkins diet -- as well as the readily-available evidence saying that Atkins weight loss is only temporary -- go in one ear and out the other.

[qzw52]

Hi Amanda,

Eating Macrobiotically in a way that is right for my individual body constitution has been helpful for losing some weight.

The best thing for weight loss in my particular situation has been the total elimination of sugar. I had refrained from using refined sugar for years but right now I'm also avoiding honey, maple syrup, organic cane etc. as well.

This has cured my propensity to be bloated after meals.

Dave

Originally Posted by mandedah

I am of course excited about the health and spiritual benefits of the macrobiotic diet but am also excited about potential weight loss. I am five-five and weigh 155 pounds, and would love to lose about 20 pounds. Up until my early twenties, I was just naturally thin with an amazing metabolism that would allow me to eat whatever I wanted and never gain weight. So... I developed some rich tastes! cheese! creme brulee! chocolate! I will always love eating; but being happy in my body, feeling healthy and living in harmony are so much more important to me than eating decadent foods.

I'd love to hear from others who have successfully lost weight through macrobiotics, and also general tips on getting started. We have a great book at home, but have some more shopping to do before we have a fully stocked macrobiotic pantry.

Amanda

[Macro Girl]

I too have weight to lose, and I am a working result of popular weight loss options that produce fast results. I lost 120 lbs! BUT! gained 1/2 back 3 times. (No desire to mention what diet because this is not about that diet) To maintain this moderate level of weight gain (yes moderate because many I know gain it all back) I trained 2 hours per day, running, cycling, weights, masters swim club, kayaking etc. I was exhausted physically, and mentally on the regime because I was putting my body through severe pain while starving myself. I have been on a 3 year struggle with trying to keep it off. I am new to macro lifestyle (4 weeks in) and I have 60 lbs to lose again. What I have is faith that I need to trust myself and listen to what everyone is saying. As a macro if you chew, and eat till you are satisfied, you will return to your natural body weight. I only pray its not this weight!

I plan to hit the gym and expect, with the proper foods I will be able to maintain the physical activity level I previously endured, but this time I might enjoy it!

[soysycophant]

I have lost some weight on MB, accompanying it with plenty of exercise.
It's a diet you can keep to, nothing fad-like about it, you can get to a good,healthy weight and stay there.
That meal sounded wonderful!
Sounds like you are doing well, good luck!