Porter - The hip chicks guide to macrobiotics

First of all, this book would basically stink up your kitchen without the patience and generosity of Lisa Silverman and Dr. Marc Van Cauwenberghe. You are true friends, and I owe you both many dinners at Fore Street.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE MASSIVE THANKS TO:

Michio and the late Aveline Kushi, without whose work this book could not have been written.

My mother, Susan McCutcheon, for letting me splash around inside her, and for being a lovely, lovely person.

My father, Julian Porter, for his love, enthusiasm, and performers genes.

My stepfather, Bob, for his horrible puns, open heart, and big spirit.

My stepmother, Anna, for her priceless diamonds of encouragement.

My sisters, Sue, Cath, and Juls, for each being so amazing in her own way.

Janet Ozzard for being such a close friend and giving endless hours of feedback.

Amy Jenkins for her cool English accent, refreshing honesty, and solid friendship.

Howard for being Howard and living the big life.

Michael, Doug, Aimee, and Keith for exercising my heart during the writing of this book.

William Spear for being so deep, so real, and so funny.

My agent, Diane Gedymin, for digging the whole thing when others didnt.

My editor, Kristen Jennings, for her kind and watchful eye.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna for making me see that this stuff is cooler than I thought.

Mick Jagger for getting me through adolescence.

Adam Bock for his Canuck sensibility.

Simon Doonan and Jonathan Adler for supporting this wacky chick. Susan Trabucchi for laughing out loud.

Marc Gup for kicking my butt.

Kimberly McCall for being my marketing angel.

Kimberly Mngqibisa for being an actual angel.

Lyn Lutrzykowski for her loving help and gentle prodding.

Jane Quincannon for making it all seem so easy.

Gerry Kein, my hypnosis teacher, who taught me all about confidence.

OTHERS WHO MIDWIFED THIS PROJECT:

A deep appreciation goes to Mona Panici for being the first person I shared this project with and who treated it with such tender care. Also to Lynne Rowe, Jon Radtke, Louis Fredrick, Kent Pierce, Pete Leja, Ned Menoyo, Kirstin Millikin, Jenny Coose, Chris Coose, Amy Rolnick, Meg Wolff, Lance Cromwell, Danielle Gorman, Sheila Jackson, Richard Mullen, Sandra Manesky, and anyone else who encouraged me while I birthed this sucker.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY MACRO TEACHERS:

Lino Stanchich, Christina Pirello, Carry Wolf, Denny Waxman, Michelle Nemer, Joshua Rosenthal, John Kozinski, the Eskos, Diane Avoli, Mary Creighton, Harriet McNear, Blake Gould, Murray Snyder, Bill Tara, Miria Pencke, and all the others who brought their whole selves to this work.

LEST I FORGET:

The Infinite Universe & Bill W.

1. Laws 1, 2, and 3
Snack Break

2. Laws 4 and 5
McHeartbreak

3. Laws 6, 7, 8, and 9
Rice Break

In 1978, my wife Aveline and I founded the Kushi Institute to teach, guide, and motivate individuals to greater personal freedom, health, and happiness through macrobiotics. Inspired by many thinkers and philosophers, including George Ohsawa, we came to appreciate the importance of food as our biological, biopsychological, and biospiritual foundation. The institute is now the leading macrobiotic center in the world and hosts teaching seminars, retreats, training classes, and special programs for health recovery.

It inspires me to see a new generation coming to macrobiotics who are young, vital, and in good healthpeople who want to live their lives more fully and naturally. It is these people who, by practicing macrobiotics in their daily lives, can go on to fulfill their dreams and live truly great (macro) lives (bios). And their actions are global: when many people are healthy and happy, and live in harmony with nature, the world becomes a more peaceful place. These days, we need macrobiotic foods and principles more than ever.

I have known Jessica Porter for more than ten years; she is a performer, a teacher, and a very funny lady. Because of her playful spirit, she has the ability to communicate macrobiotic ideas to those who learn through laughter. I trust you will enjoy this book, and I wish you congratulations as you embark on your wonderful macrobiotic adventure.

Michio Kushi
Becket, Massachusetts

We all bitch and moan about freedom. And its important. If you live in North America, chances are you are free from overt oppression. You could even be free of economic want. It is your inalienable right to choose your religion, your shoes, and your cat. It is still possible to walk down the street without being microchipped, and youre free to eat at McDonalds any day of the week. All these freedoms are important and real.

But are you free within your own body? Or do you struggle against yourself, mentally and emotionally? Do you feel a connection to nature? To whatever you call God? Are you free of medication? Do you experience your creativity in joyous ways? Are you uninhibited in your sex life? Do you feel good about your relationships? Are you ridiculously happy?