While I was sitting in the waiting room of the SOS clinic on the By Pass recently, I gave thought to the fast approaching Holiday/Christmas season & gifts. Here are a couple of ideas - a First Aid Travellers Kit, one of the more practical gift ideas and for those people conscious about their looks, buy a gift voucher from Mannik, Salon & Spa, No 427, Jl Legian, Legian T: 761147 specialists in eye tattoos (eyebrows & eyeliner) I know a few ladies that have had treatment done, one for eyebrows and the other for eyeliner, both ladies look terrific! And lastly, a book that I am currently reading ‘ the Hip Chick’s guide to Macrobiotics’ A Philosophy for Achieving a Radiant Mind and a Fabulous Body, by Jessica Porter (can be purchased at the Earth Café, No 99, Jl Laksmana, Seminyak).
Speaking of which, how many of you know about Macrobiotics? Must confess, I wasn’t really informed so thought I would share a little information to whet your taste buds. MACRO = BIG, BIO = LIFE - It’s practicing MODERATION & BALANCE in everything you do & of course has a lot to do with your diet.
Now, there’s a well known saying ‘you only live once’’ but you must also ask the question, HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IT?! This is the key, don’t you think. Another saying is – ‘your face is what you are, it never lies, it’s like ‘your roadmap’ & how true this is too!
My teacher is Liat, born in the Middle East, but spent many years growing up, living, studying & working in New York. At an early age she was well ‘into’ classical ballet & had already decided that a vegetarian diet was for her! Liat’s real interest was medicine, so embarked on four years of intensive medical studies but found she had a natural flair & interest in genetics. She then moved into the many areas of nutrition which took her head first into the world of Macrobiotics. Liat quickly decided that this was ‘her calling’ and for her, it provided her a true & balanced way of living. (And at this point have to remark, that the lovely young daughter of Liat, has only lived the Macrobiotic way, like her mother, she too gleams with good health!)
Eventually settling in Bali some years ago, Liat opened her own business called Down to Earth which included some initial consulting work in the area of nutrition. Then she realized that there was a complete gap in the market for vegetarian food. First she opened Bali’s first vegan café, Zula (natural foods are served, but no animal or diary) then a couple of years ago, she opened her second, Earth Café (complete vegetarian, however, one can consume diary, but no chicken or meat). And now more recently the enterprising Liat decided to set up The Earth Market, a wholesale company/ supplier of organic product/produce selling direct to retail outlets.
Now with Macrobiotics, there are a number of areas to initially consider -
One must learn to recognize the full picture of life – it’s called the energetics of food – what blood type are you & is your diet appropriate for your particular blood type? Different blood groups require different diets and according to macrobiotics you can actually change the genetic composition of your body!
Specialise in medicinal foods –
Why do we have cravings for certain foods? Your brain maybe sending you a message that you are out of balance. Our body is a bio-dynamic computer, always adjusting itself to internal/external changes i.e. when you drink cold water the body heats up, if you drink hot fluid your body cools.
For instance - did you know that many common foods are not particularly good for you – cut down on the amount of potato, tomato, eggplant & peppers, they all belong to the nightshade group!
Eat plenty of - Beans, wholegrain & seaweed are a must in your daily intake, Papaya is the best fruit to eat in the morning, lemons are not an acid but an alkaline & fish is considered good for you.
Your organs like the kidneys must be looked after, if so, they will provide you with the ‘drive’ that you require in order to meet the needs of the day. Your liver is also known as the ‘seat of the soul’ & loves vegetable juice - feed it with a combination of green apple & carrot juice which relaxes the spleen & allows the liver to detox.
There is no time like the present to change your life, so, eat less processed foods, wholegrains are the key!
Make contact with Liat, who is open for frank discussion & as a true disciple, eager to share ‘the Macrobiotic way of Life’ with you. On meeting Liat you will note that - goodness shines from her every pore!
What Liat can do for you - Liat is a Macrobiotic Educator & Counselor, and a Member of the Macrobiotic Educators Association, as well as a Nutritionist. She conducts personal consultations for both adults & children. She works with people that have had cancer, HIV & chronic disorders such as, severe depression. Counseling school age children is another area that is vitally important as their lifestyle has changed dramatically from what a childhood once was.Liat will train commercial chefs & will train your own personal cook in order that they will expend the ‘right’ energy in the preparation / cooking of your food, if food is not handled in the correct way, this can contribute to a number of eating disorders.
As I want to experience more benefits from eating a more balanced diet, I plan to spend my lunchtime next week, sitting quietly at Earth Café on Jl Laksmana, to enjoy their special ‘Planet Platter’ - a fully balanced nutritional lunch, in order that I can get through the rest of the day without snacking. Why not join me at the café, I am sure we will find plenty to discuss, so see you there!
And of course buy the book that I am currently reading, you will find it fascinating, enlightening & thought provoking!
Zula Café, Jl Dayu Pura, Seminyak, opposite Mimpi Manis (great for colorful home linens)
Earth Café, Jl Laksmana, No 99, Oberoi, Seminyak (next door to Exotiq Property)
E: zanbar2000@hotmail.com Liat HP: 081 647 08884
PS No doubt about it, Liat is on the go again, in a week or so, she is about to open her yoga dance wear boutique on the second floor of the Earth Café, this I believe is a good move as not too much around in this area of product.
For comments & enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
