So far my only success has been with kale. I pressure cooked my kale in a brine of worchestershire sauce, ginger, 1 clove garlic, about 1 t. sesame oil, a little red wine (substitute with a little apple cider vinegar) and a touch of honey and soy sauce. I’m not sure how these additives fit in with a macrobiotic diet, but the kale wasn’t just edible it was delicious. To reduce the ‘yin’ you could take out the ginger and the honey and maybe sprinkle more fresh sesame seeds.

I do believe in the basic philosophy of centering your diet on whole grains, legumes and vegetables. Matt and I have been eating this way for a few months, and although I still have a bit to go we’ve both lost weight and maintained excellent energy levels. We’ve mostly been replacing things like pasta noodles with white kidney beans, and eating seasoned black beans with vegetables over brown rice.

One of the concerns I have with the macrobiotic diet is the exclusion of nightshade vegetables and strong spices/peppers. I have been reading a lot about umami, the “fifth taste” that represents the savory element of mushrooms, tomatoes, seaweed, cheese and meat. There are many ways to blend umami with sweet and spicy flavors for a complex, delicious dish. I think dressing up your whole grains, vegetables and legumes is the key to enjoying a healthy diet that does not feel restrictive.

As for nightshades, solanine is very real but is mainly a problem in potatoes and can be avoided without excluding nightshades (or other fruits) from your diet:

http://www.deliciousorganics.com/Controversies/nightshade.htm

There are a small number of people who are allergic or highly sensitive to solanine, and typically suffer from arthritis. Do you notice any direct impact from eating nightshades?

PRESS RELEASE
The “SECRET” Strategy for Health
January 22nd 2008

** JANUARY 23rd 2008 — Newton, MA. According to “The Boston Paradox”, researchers for the New England Healthcare Institute released in June, 2007, “we have lots of healthcare, but no health.” What “secret” are they missing?

David Snieckus of EVERYDAY HEALTH agrees with the numerous scientists and medical researchers who have repeatedly pointed their finger for our sickness to the food we eat, especially processed food as he introduces his SECRET SOLUTION: on line LIVE video plant-based cooking classes starting in February, 2008.

Bottom line says Mr. Snieckus says….”Health is largely determined by what we eat and what we don’t eat everyday! Therefore learn what to cook and how to cook simple, easy, plant-based meals….everyday!”

Many reputable organizations, such as The American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association, and many popular books, such as:
1.The China Study, The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted, by Professor Emeritus, T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. and Thomas M. Campbell II.
2.Ending the Food Fight, Guide Your Child to a Healthy Weight in a Fast Food/Fake Food World, by David Ludwig, M.D., Ph.D.,
3.The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle, PhD.
4, The Rave Diet by Michael Anderson
5.. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.
say that we can dramatically reduce the risk of disease by eating a plant-based diet

Some of the benefits of eating a plant-based diet are:
•Reduced risk of chronic disease
•Normal weight
•Best chance for optimal health and longevity
•A more harmonious state of being
•Environmentally Friendly

Eating natural whole plant-based foods is not only energy efficient nutrition, it connects us to Nature! When we eat foods that have undergone the process of photosynthesis, when sunlight combines with water and minerals to grow a living plant, we connect to a vital, life-giving force, not available from processed foods.

Mr. Snieckus’s book, THE CURE, (only in outline form now), also suggests a plant-based diet for the continued evolution of humanity with an emphasis on grain eating!

Cooking or preparing natural whole grain, plant-based foods in our own kitchens is the one simple thing (the secret) each individual can do every day to prevent and reverse illness and optimize health and well-being. As we become proficient at selecting, balancing, and preparing such foods, we become confident in living our life and reducing our stress.
Furthermore, learning about the best and healthiest foods to eat is the best healthcare reform. As we optimize our health through the food we eat, we become part of the solution in reducing healthcare costs.

David Snieckus, one of the nation’s leading macrobiotic experts with over 30 years of experience, has helped hundreds heal themselves using easy to comprehend principles. His specialty is helping individuals establish a foundation of health in their own homes through a LIVE video conference. These weekly educational and practical plant-based cooking programs will demonstrate how simple and easy it is to establish optimal health. Through these classes individuals learn about ancient principles and the proper selection, cooking and eating of natural whole plant-based foods, David can help you launch your path to optimum health.

Mr. Snieckus’ vision is every kitchen a wellness center and one peaceful and healthy world. He invites and welcomes everyone and anyone to be a part of that vision.

For more information, call for the no-obligation program outline and references at 617-964-2951, or visit: http://www.davidsnieckus.com.

David Snieckus, is a 1981 graduate of the world renowned Kushi Institute in Brookline MA.

David Snieckus
99 Crescent Street
Newton, MA 02466
617-964-2951
info@davidsnieckus.com
davidsnieckus@hotmail.com
http://www.davidsnieckus.com
**