If you've ever wondered "What the heck is macrobiotics?" you've come to the right place. My goal in writing The Hip Chick's Guide to Macrobiotics was to answer that question for all the hip chicks who have heard about this strange diet, but need to get the nitty gritty.
The macrobiotic diet has gotten a bad rap for being restrictive and limiting when—paradoxically—it's actually about freedom and expansion. You see, we need to eat good-quality food—most of the time—in order to live long, healthy, hip lives. But good health earns us the ability to play freely, eating funkier foods some of the time. These days, with muffins, cappuccinos and microwave dinners making up our daily fare, we're eating in a way that actually weakens our bodies and minds over time. When we end up depressed, or anxiety-ridden, we're told it's all in our heads, when very often, it's all on our plates.
But don't worry. You don't have to trade in your Manolos for a pair of Birkenstocks. Ever. If you are in good health, you can try this and that, just dipping your toe into the world of whole foods. You don't need to make major changes too quickly—I didn't. Just get the book, read some philosophy, and make a Rice Crispy Treat. You'll see that macro foods can be delicious and satisfying. As you explore more and more, de-sludging your body and mind, you will find a deeper, hipper, more authentic you—looking extra hot in your Manolos!
Whole foods, cooked certain ways, will strengthen every cell of your body. And where your body goes, so go your heart, mind and spirit. I believe to be hip is not about the clothes you wear, or the parties you attend (although I love that stuff). I believe that true hipness comes from a deep desire to be totally free, ridiculously alive, and pathetically endorphin-addled. The highest degree of hip comes from the ability to go into the kitchen and come out a stronger, saner, more beautiful person. You have MUCH more power than you know. It's time to get hip to it.
—Jessica Porter