Event watch: Macrobiotic workshops

We always hear that living in Shanghai is bad for our health, but a positive result of all the pollution and greasy food is a thriving pro-health lobby – exemplified by the Wellness Works health and wellbeing fair. Now the women behind Wellness Works have a permanent home – a co-working space for eco companies with an events space called Grasslands.

THis week they are running a series of events in Grasslands all focusing on healthy eating, with workshops for ten to 15 participants introducing the macrobiotic diet.

‘It’s about eating in balance,’ says nutritionist Kimberly Ashton (pictured above in her home kitchen), who’s leading the workshop with macrobiotic chefs Debbie Lee and Mary Ho. ‘It’s eating seasonally, eating for your body type and adding healthy things to nourish your body, rather than eating empty calories or processed food.’ While the diet emphasises brown rice, grains and vegetables, it isn’t strictly vegetarian. A small amount of fish is included, although red meat is discouraged.

The latest workshops are on Thursday 23 February and Saturday 25 February. Here, you’ll learn about the so-called ‘energetics’ of food. Macrobiotics proponents believe that how a vegetable grows, as a root or as a seed, affects its energy content and thus its nutritional value.

‘Someone who’s really stressed and anxious may need root vegetables to ground them,’ says Ashton. These workshops will also look at cravings. ‘Many people crave sugar,’ Ashton continues. ‘It may be just that they’re completely exhausted and need to sleep.’ She’ll also look at menu planning for the busy professional. ‘We understand it’s not realistic to stay home and cook three meals a day, so it’s about being smart, maybe cooking on a Sunday dishes that you can eat during the week.’

The final workshop (on the afternoon of Saturday 25 February) will be a hands-on cookery lesson where those who sign up will cook and eat a full macrobiotic meal.

See www.the-wellness-works.com for more information.

Anna Leach

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