How to get started with Macrobiotics

When we first hear about macrobiotics it can sound interesting, different and challenging. A good place to start is with cooking because it gives us daily nourishment, so here are some basic tips to begin with

• Start by cooking a meal each day.
• Connect with the time-worn ritual of food gathering and preparation; nurture the enjoyment of nourishing yourself well.
• Clear out the old ingredients from your kitchen, and make the space to prepare and cook your food.
• The best saucepans for health are stainless steel, not aluminium. A wooden cutting board and a good knife are helpful.
• Find out where your nearest organic shops are, and about organic box schemes.
• Stock up with organic vegetables and (good) best quality food ingredients.
• Look at some macrobiotic books and web sites and try out some recipes.
• Talk to friends who are already into macrobiotics. Ask them if you can sometimes cook and eat together.
• Take a few cooking classes with experienced macrobiotic teachers or go on a macrobiotic holiday or retreat.
• Get together for potluck meals and picnics on a regular basis with other people in your area, with time for discussion.
• To aid digestion, chew your food well.
• Gradually get rid of clutter at home and add some green plants to your living space.
• Slowly find ways to develop your sense of gratitude for life, enjoy it, have fun and be happy through being of service to yourself, to others and to our planet earth.
• Take regular exercise especially out-of-doors, in most weather conditions! Start with a daily 15/20 minute walk.
• There are certain life-style practices that benefit us as we get started and throughout life. Review your lifestyle. See what you are doing that already supports you, and what does not. Then begin to make your changes accordingly.
• Take up a couple of regular practices to clear and improve your health such as daily body-scrub, do-in, chi kung, yoga, tai-chi, shiatsu, meditation, singing, dancing, swimming and so on.
• Use natural fibre clothing (especially underwear), bed linen, natural toiletries, deodorant and perfume; and natural cleaning products in the home.
• Explore your intuition - listen to your body, watch the changing seasons and how they affect you.
• Look out for the rhythm of Nature across the world, be inquisitive and constantly ask why and search for the answer.
• Explore all aspects of our amazing evolution, all cultures and traditional wisdom, with a discerning mind and an open heart.