Why macrobiotics?

[Klara]

It constantly amazes me how I know something new will happen and am always surprized that it does!!!! This time, my reward for setting my alarm at 3:00 a.m. to join the chat, was to have a very personalized session.

But what impressed upon me more was how both this week and last week we were asked to think about why are we doing this diet?? And I got an aha moment - of course I'm not doing it as well as I'd like because it's still not clear to me why I'm doing it. I thought that would just come with time and more practice. But Susan made it clear, without the commitment, we don't make the effort, and without knowing why we are doing it, we don't make the commitment. This is the first time I'm just a bit envious of those who came to macrobiotics from illness as their reason is clear to them. But I do not wish for disease. I will just ponder more indeed why am I doing this?

I thank both Ginat and Susan for asking and leading me to new places.

Klara

[xboxchamp593]

Hello everybody, I am 23 years old, 5’2” tall and 154 pounds in weight. I've been trying to loose weight for years and haven't found the right diet for me. I never do exercise and I don’t like diet pills. Right now I'm just trying to get rid of a few pounds to get me started on a diet I can stick to without the weight coming all back. If anyone has had a successful diet, please help if it included the cereal diet. Thank you.

[Dottie Roseboom]

Hi Xboxchamp,

Usually, when a person is eating the correct diet for them, the body adjusts its weight to what is "healthy" for that person. I lost weight with macrobiotics. And the nice thing about macrobiotics is that the side effects are
1) Feeling better
2) Looking better
3) Thinking better

So, hope that you decide to try macro!

Dottie

[Klara]

I've hesitated to answer as anyone who sees macrobiotics as just a diet won't get the fullness of it.

I also hesitated as everyone believes that anyone who "goes on a mb diet" will automatically get thin.

Wish it were so simple!!!!!

Macrobiotics is a way of life, described as a "practice." Because you keep practicing it, never getting it exactly right (but don't let that discourage you!!). For the most part, it's a gentle way, so sometimes people are too anxious for immediate results (an unfortunate byproduct of today's society) and give up and claim mb doesn't work. As you get deeper (hopefully) into mb, you can start seeing a larger picture, some delve into the philosophies (there are many), some into seeing the more spiritual side of life, some truly get it's about Great Life, and they live a fuller life, some only look for healing or another kind of result, and when they've reached their goal, then discard what they've done, and sadly get back to disease or other kind of imbalance.

I happen to love the food, but also happen to be a VERY slow learner, so am one of those where weight issues remain with me. There are many factors besides just choosing the right foods (which of course is crucial - what is right for one may not be right for you) - there's not overeating, chewing your food well, exercising, not eating 3 hours before retiring, even eating at regular times and at a regular place - sitting down and not doing any other activity while eating.

Now PLEASE don't get discouraged - you may be one of those who knows how to jump right in and get most of it right and like many many, start to lose an incredible amount of weight - but if you're not like that, do know it's still a wonderful present you can give yourself and your body, however slow and whatever small steps you implement. The best jump start is to find a personal counselor to work under to see what works best for you and to give you constant encouragement. But you can also just begin without the jump start - the road may be a little more bumpy, but there's lots of help in books, on the net, in the healthfood stores - as the saying goes, just do it!!!!

Oh, and the food is so delicious, don't know why anyone would consider going back to that old stuff. (except of course because it does take effort)

Klara