Lately I have been pondering the incredible dynamics set up in the "food/diet/healthy eating" world that when one is eating the good food, the right food, the healthy food then one is a good person. Likewise, the other side is there: when one makes food choices that go against one's belief system of what is good for them, then feelings of guilt, shame, disappointment arise. This then sets up a whole pattern of feeling negative towards the self and then a feeling of "why bother anyway" can arise. The downward spiral begins.

I used to only think this pattern came up with those trying to lose weight. As this was one of my challenges earlier in life, I remember very well the feeling of starting a diet positively determined only to feel crushed and hopeless after the first cheating had happened. I am amazed that this pattern does not limit itself simply to people trying to lose weight. It seems to go deep in the human psyche.
I now see that people choosing to eat more wholesome, healthy food also are plagued with confusion and guilt when cravings arise for foods on the "avoid" lists. I recently read that there are no such things as binges: simply the body trying to achieve balance. If one could really embrace this way of viewing things, then perhaps we could eliminate the whole negative mental chatter and look for ways of achieving this balance with kindness and compassion.

For example, today I was really wanting a sweet — not a cous cous cake with blueberries (one of my all-time favourites) but something going towards the candy end of things. Now the automatic reaction that comes after the initial thought is a big NO, you can't do that...you can't think that...and you certainly don't want to eat that. Well, in the past that could have really spun me out leading to an all out indulgence. But instead, I start to ponder what am I needing right now...what am I looking for in craving something soooo sweet - is it emotional or physical? Is my blood sugar down or do I need a hug? Have I been using too much salt setting up a pendulum swing for sweets, or am I just plain tired? So I can approach it with acceptance and curiosity.

I'm not eliminating the possibility of having the sweet. I am simply giving space to explore - what's it about - what's the most satisfying choice I can make without creating consequences that I don't want later. Not from guilt or fear, just what I have learned from experience. Now, some of you may be already ripping open your snickers bars saying...I couldn't be bothered going through all that...if I want it I'll just have it. That is fine. One is free, absolutely free, to make choices, and free to accept what those choices bring. That is perhaps one of my favourite bits of macrobiotic philosophy: we are always free to choose. That is our birthright. And yet we often choose what we don't want. That is human nature. Interesting predicament.

I personally want to approach my own macrobiotic practice, cooking classes and consultations with the spirit of nourishment and delight. We can choose to nourish ourselves in the best possible way. We can learn more ways of cooking healthy foods that please us...that really make us feel warm and nourished and light and energised. It's gotta be fun and it's gotta taste good! This has become my antidote to guilt and lists of "good foods" and "bad foods". I just make choices that suit me and accept the responsibility of those choices. And I am constantly trying new recipes that are colourful and tasty and varied. I understand not everyone has the time or interest to devote so much energy in the kitchen, however this is where we get our nourishment to live out our individual dreams. If we do not feel deeply nourished and energised, then nothing else can soar.

Anyhow back to that sweet craving, I took 4 cups of puffed kamut (from Coles-puffed brown rice will do), mixed with 1/2 cup of organic peanut butter, 1/2 cup of rice syrup and 1/2 cup of barley malt syrup. I simmered the syrups and the peanut butter with a splash of vanilla until the mixture was smooth and foamy. I added the puffed cereal. I spread the whole mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish, put it in the fridge and voila! Sweet, sweet, sweet! It worked for me. Denial gone, replaced with delight. And the thing is, when you approach cravings with this interest and spirit of experimentation, they actually do get satisfied.

Next time the chocolate bug bites you, consider options, and make your choices and then delight in all that brings...whatever it is. Love it all, the front and the back. Remember that macrobiotic saying: Everything has a front and a back, and the bigger the front, the bigger the back.
Not good and bad...just front and back. Get it?