The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics: A Philosophy for Achieving a Radiant Mind and a Fabulous Body

If you like reference info to be laid out in an easy-to-read fashion sprinkled with a little wit and humor, this book is a must. Jessica takes the basics of macrobiotics and lays them out in a clear and understandable way saving a newbie time and frustration. Her book was the first book I read on the subject and I was so thankful that I read her's first. It paved the way when I read other MB books because the explanations she provided bridged the gaps and shortened the learning curve for me by providing valuable information unique to MB such as Nabe, Miso, Tempeh, Gomashio, Ume Plums, etc. Jessica makes macrobiotics attainable and I am so thankful that I found this way of eating and lifestyle. I have tried other diets (low carb/high fat, high carb/low fat, raw foods, fruit diets, parched grains and several others) and never saw the benefits I was looking for, and some made me worse. But I (and my hubby) are seeing results and feeling great following the MB way - but we don't use the vinegar or as much salt as some may suggest. Our skin has improved: clearer, less splotchy, firmer and yet softer to the touch. Aches and pains have improved. Puffiness is leaving etc. So, if you are considering MB at all, we'd say, "Give it a try, and Jessica will help you along the way." Jessica explains how important balancing condiments and food choices are because food really does affect us - for the good (balanced) as well as for the bad (out of balance). MB does take a little extra time at first, but it gets super easy after a few weeks. I recommend Jessica's book - it's a keeper, one you will read more than once and refer to often.

I was macro quite a few years ago, but had let it fall to the wayside. When I considered taking it up again, I came across this book. I had some reservations, but the reviews were all so positive that I gave it a shot. I'm so glad I did! I read it continually for almost a month! I skipped around reading chapters that interested me at first, but eventually discovered the entire book was well worth poring over. It makes macrobiotics extremely accessible and I love that she writes about her own experiences and failings on the road to becoming macrobiotic. It took off the pressure I was putting on myself to overhaul my life and go "whole hog" all at once. It let me know it's okay to stumble along the way! The recipes are also great, as are the resources in the back of the book. If you're a westerner and considering macrobiotics, give this book a try.

I've been following a vegan diet since 2002 and lost 200 (yes TWO HUNDRED!!!) pounds doing so. I was interested in macrobiotics, but it seemed so difficult. I finally found a book that made it so easy to understand and so fun to follow. Thank you Ms. Porter!!!!! To anyone who is interested in following a macro diet, do it! Get this book and follow it. It will be the best decision you ever made!!!

I had been considering trying macrobiotics for a few years before it became trendy and this book was released. The first books I consulted were by Kushi and incredibly dry; they made it seem too challenging; focusing on foods I could not find and appliances that needed to be bought in order to start. Then I read Jessica Porter's book and it convinced me to take the plunge. Her writing is accesiible and she includes entertaning anecdotes from her experience with discovering macrobiotic philosophy. Hte personal conversation stlye makes the information easier to remember and apply than other texts. She makes macrobiotics seem posisble for any one, any where they live. I do not live near a thriving organic community, but she supplies a wide range of resources, online stores, helpful web sites and other useful books to help in the transition. Though she was trained at the Kushi Institute, she gives readers knowledge of the full range of approaches that exist. Did you know that there is a macrobiotic equivalent to Reese's peanut butter cups? She gives the recipes for these, as well as other deserts for special occasions, in addition to the staple dishes that constitute a macrobiotic eating system. I do wish tht the book had more recipes, and found the book "Cook Your Way to the Life You Want" and Cooking Whole Foods" by Christina Pirello excellent complements. They are not necessary additions, but Porter made me eager to read much more about macrobiotics. Macrobiotics is learning how to balance food to meet your body's nutritional needs, which will vary depending on your daily activities and stress. It tkaes a life time to master, but Porter provides excellent ropes to help you start immediately, if you so wish. She also provides a gradual (her recommended) approach. An excess of sweets, for example, is not recommended as healthy on average, but she give recipes for safer alternatives to combat cravings caused by mass marketing campaigns of the food industry, as you being your journey into macrobiotics. There were times when I thought the book indulged a little too much into "feel the power of the universe" rhetoric, but the truth of the matter is that what you eat affects not only your health, but also your moods, and an improved diet helps increase your powers of perception, by making you less vitim to illenss and mood fluctuations. There are some macro books that I have purchased and had to read again and again, because they were so complicated. This one I reread because I enjoy and am inspired by the writing.

I have read many books on macrobiotics, only to toss them to the side in frustration. Macrobiotics always seemed so difficult, so time consuming and restrictive. I could never grasp the meaning of 'yin and yang' regarding food - until now. Jessica Porter has written a book that is accessible, easy to understand and very witty! I have a much better understanding of the effects that food has on my body - and this gives me the power to make better choices. I am not a full fledged macrobiotic junkie (and may never be) - but at least now I can lean in that direction with confidence, not confusion! Thanks Jessica, for the best intro to macrobiotics that I have ever read!