How to Prepare Macrobitoic Diet Meals Macrobiotic diets are guided by changing seasons, by climate. Yin and Yang, cold and warm weather and, therefore, foods are used to establish adaptability with seasons. Winter introduces a change to cold (Yin/expansive) and, so, to heated and heavier foods (Yang/contractive). Food is energy (Ch'i). Human beings are Ch'i. Life is Ch'i. Ancient principles of balance, Yin and Yang, guide food ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warming the Whole Being In Winter 1. Fill your home with delicious aromas. The heat waves are over now. Most trees are bare of leaves. North winds seem to cut through clothing to the bone. It's time to light the home fires, bring out the stew pot and the pressure cooker. Settle in for the Winter. 2. Warm your whole being during Winter's Yin/expansive climate. Now is the time for root vegetables, Winter squashes and flavorful breads. Harmony in Winter comes from balancing the cold and expansive properties that can leave you feeling "spaced out" or stressed. 3. Gather foods for the hearth. Your shopping list could include root vegetables, pumpkins, beans, cereals. Stock up on heavier grains such as sweet rice, mochi and millet, as well as food with a stronger, more concentrated qualities. Round vegetables, pickles, and grains such as millet, buckwheat and brown rice serve as excellent staples and fresh macrobiotic foods for Winter. 4. Enjoy a bubbly stew, cooked for hours with fresh herbs, fresh baked bread for dipping. The family gathers around the table, curtains drawn against the early nightfall and a sudden icy blast. Discover what macrobiotic devotees mean by harmony Tips & Warnings Begin a Yoga practice, or Tai Chi Consider meditation, macrobiotic eating is a lifestyle You might begin a garden to harvest your seasonal fresh foods. Sign up for a Macrobiotic cooking class at a local organic grocer or community college. Adjust gradually to macrobiotic eating. Consult a health care practitioner before changing diets. References: Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford; The Five Transformations by Tom Monte and Sam McClellan