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GREAT LIFE GLOBAL Frequently Asked Questions

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…and more! Below are answers to some common questions about vegan and vegetarian eating, nutrition, the macrobiotic lifestyle and holistic healthcare. Contact Us with any other questions you may have.

What are the differences between a Vegetarian Diet, Vegan Diet, and a Macrobiotic Diet?
There are many similarities between the vegetarian, vegan, and macrobiotic diet, though each is different. All three are Plant-Based diets that eliminate red meat and poultry. A Vegetarian Diet may include dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.) and/or eggs. There are three types of vegetarian diets:

The Macrobiotic Diet may be totally vegan. It includes these plant-based organic whole foods:

• Whole Grains
• Beans and Bean Products
• Fresh Land Vegetables
• High-Mineral Sea Vegetables
• Seasonal Fruits
• Fermented Foods
• Seasonings
• Pickles
• Condiments
• Grain-Sweetened Desserts
• Healthful Beverages

On occasion, as their condition or period of transition dictates, some people may eat a small serving of white fish. See Great Life Global's information on the Macrobiotic Diet.

Why isn't meat included in a macrobiotic diet?

Most animals raised on commercial farms are treated in a shockingly inhumane manner. They are penned and forced to produce large quantities of milk or eggs for money profits, of course. Most dairy cows live on cement blocks and are kept in a constant state of pregnancy in order to keep the milk production at its peak. When their calves are born the babies are taken away from the mother cow, causing the mother to mournfully call out to the calf for days. Dairy cows are also fed high levels of hormones to increase milk production. These hormones are transmitted, of course, into the dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, butter) consumed by humans.

According to scientific studies, consuming diary can lead to many severe disorders including overweight, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Dairy cows and chickens are also fed antibiotics and other medications that are also transmitted into the food products eaten by people. Consumption of antibiotics frequently leads to a destruction of human intestinal flora, impaired digestion, fatigue, and weakness. Chickens are also kept in a constant state of pregnancy to produce eggs at an unnatural, inhumane pace. Chickens are kept penned so closely together that they fight and peck each other, sometimes to death. Often their fat-producing feed makes them so heavy that their legs break under their weight.

A balanced, plant-based diet (Macrobiotic) provides ample quantities of calcium, iron, and other vital minerals that are highly absorbable, free of cholesterol (all animal foods contain cholesterol), and plants are totally vegan! There are scrumptious vegan foods that substitute for dairy foods and meat. Try them. Let's each help to make the world Violence-Free through adopting a diet that is Violence-Free!

How can I get my calcium if I don't eat dairy?
Calcium is such an important nutrient! It regulates the heartbeat, enhances sleep and calmness, and builds healthy bones and teeth. Dairy products are not essential in order to get the proper amount of calcium in our diet. The vegan Macrobiotic Diet exceeds government Recommended Daily Allowances for Calcium (1300 mg. daily for an average adult). Calcium is abundant in vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains, and sea vegetables found in the Macrobiotic Diet.

As an example, one cup of collard greens has more calcium than one cup of whole milk! The collard greens, and other dark leafy greens, have highly absorbable calcium, as well as other vital minerals, and they contain zero cholesterol. Macrobiotic recommendations include eating dark leafy greens at least twice daily, three times a day if necessary, as well as these other high calcium foods. So, we do not need dairy products at all! In fact, dairy, which has saturated fat and cholesterol, is scientifically shown to contribute to allergies, asthma, diabetes, cancer, digestive disorders, and a myriad of other ailments. Leave cow's milk to baby calves and try these high calcium foods daily.

DIETARY CALCIUM SOURCES
Relax! Calcium is abundant in these vegetable quality foods:

Food Serving Size MG Calcium (Cooked, unless noted)

Compare These Plant Foods with Dairy:
Cow's Milk 1 cup 291 mg
Cheddar Cheese 1 ounce  204 mg

*U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances of Calcium: Females: 1,200mg | Males: 800mg

What is the Macrobiotic Diet?
The Macrobiotic Diet is a delicious, ecological, and nutritionally sound plant-based diet that has been eaten by millions of people throughout history. The traditional whole foods eaten according to macrobiotic principles are organic and balanced for each individual's unique condition, climate, profession. activities, and life goals.

The Macrobiotic Diet is not a "One-Size-Fits-All" diet, because each of us has special characteristics and needs. These highest quality foods contain life force and energy that can create greater balance when chosen, prepared, and eaten in the optimum manner. Macrobiotics recognizes that our daily diet has a profound effect on our planet, as well as our physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

• Whole Cereal Grains
• Soothing Soups
• Beans and Bean Products
• Fresh Vegetables
• Sea Vegetables
• Seasonal Fruits
• Refreshing Beverages
• Nutritious Seasonings
• Lively Pickles
• Naturally Sweet Desserts

The Standard Macrobiotic Diet more than satisfies the U.S. RDA's for calcium, as well as all nutrients for human health.