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What Makes Superhero So Different From Vegan?
Started
on August 24, 2010
Hi guys,
Just a quick question: I've read The Kind Diet and still don't get the big differences between vegan and Superhero. I understand the later is more macrobiotic, involves less spices, simpler foods and more 'unique' products with purpose (ume, mochi, etc.) but how do you look at something and go "Okay, this is Superhero; Okay, this is vegan..."?
Also, in general, what are the big differences between the two? I feel like I missed it and look at the recipes in the book and don't see the big difference between Superhero or vegan recipes...
Thanks for all your help!
Danielle,
I kinda feel the same way were it's almost like a gut feeling whether something is or isn't. I get confused though because I look at something like mochi and go 'Oh, that's gotta be just vegan' and it's not. I guess I never pay much attention because I don't "do" processed vegan foods a lot minus the rare Gardein.
Manya,
Thanks for the elaboration!
Since there seem to be a lot of idea's and questions about this I will post my ideas about after I did some research :)
Superhero, in my opinion is a little more than what I read here thusfar. True in Alicia's book she does not go in to this subject very deep, but I consider Superhero being simularly to macrobiotics. It is true that this another step into more pure, whole, non-processed foods. It puts more emphasize to the whole grains, introduces some Japanese foods like miso-soup, umebushi plums, kukichu tea, and seavegetables like nori etc.
But there is more to it than that. Macrobiotics is all about yin and yang. To be healthy, feeling your best these two need to be in balance. Going superhero is quite complicated because there are so many factors to be taken into account. The food is quite basic nevertheless tastes great, makes you feel wonderful! Though by no means superhero 100% i notice that if i make macrobiotics meals a few times a week, this already greatly enhances my wellbeing!
For more information I highly recommend the hands-on books with great info:
Modern day Macrobiotics by Simon Brown
Changing seasons by Aveline Kushi
(both with great easy mealplans!)
Simon Brown in his book also explains very well what nutrients are in what foods and why some foods like tomato, potato, eggplant etc can best be avoided.
part two
Macrobiotics dont look at food the way we are used. They view it from a yin/yang principe. So the foods we are required not to eat in this diet are considered to upset the balance too much. For exemple dairy is considered to yin and (red) meat too yang. The view it in means of energies corresponding with eachother and look for foods that correspond well with the enegry of people. Thats probably also the reason why they xclude some things we consider "healthy" like much fruits, tropical fruits, tomatoes, potatos etc...
About eating local which some superhero foods like seaweed probably are not:
To answer this question, i have found the answer in the book: The macrobiotic way by Michio Kushi. He explains there that for reasons involved with the whole yin/yang principle some ingredients are required to get as local as possible ( like water, fruits, vegetables, grains) I put them in order of expension, thus water very local, fruits local, vegetables can be eaten from a broader range and grains even more so... On this scale seavegetables and salt may come from all over the world. Dont ask me why :)))))Hope these summory of what is a very broad and interesting life-phylosophy, helps :)
It is really interesting to explore, and i started to be interesting because i noticed a considerable shift in wellbeing after introducing macrobiotics foods in my diet :)
Thanks Axa Axa, I also felt a big change going superhero and exploring the macro world. Indeed, even adding in a few macro days a week made a huge difference in my energy levels, increased general positive outlook, a sense of calmness and all around goodness. I still have much to learn but it's all very fascinating and I'm loving the journey.
Me too! Try reading the books I advise, especially Modern Day Macrobiotics is a great start, gives great info but also mealplans so it is more easy to know what to eat everyday or regularly :)
Love & light!
Axa Axa, I have reasonably limited funds (student!) - so if there was just one book on Macro you'd suggest reading, what would it be?
Thanks :)
Is there a book that kind of explains this without going too much into philosophies and spiritualities and "Beings", etc? I mean, like, JUST a guide on what to eat? Or is Alicia's it?
Hi peasandlove,
For more information I highly recommend the hands-on books with great info:
Modern day Macrobiotics by Simon Brown
Changing seasons by Aveline Kushi
(both with great easy mealplans!)
Simon Brown in his book also explains very well what nutrients are in what foods and why some foods like tomato, potato, eggplant etc can best be avoided.
More info on the the whole macrobiotics way of life:
The macrobiotic way by Michio Kushi.
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