The whole foods publication “Macrobiotics Today” has a new Q&A column by someone calling herself Shiitake Jones. I am an instant fan of this fine and funny food writer (who is also a yoga teacher), but the people coming to her for advice have such refined and specific problems that I find myself captivated by them too. They are such healthy eaters that it’s hard to go mainstream, apparently. And they always struggle with guilt when they eat something on the macrobiotic “forbidden” list. Here’s one plea for Shiitake Jones’ great wisdom from the March/April 2006 issue:

Dear Shiitake,

How do you handle going to potlucks? We went to one last night, and…[everything] there had something in it that I’ve been avoiding…I opted to eat a small bowl of food. I blessed it and hoped somehow these foods would nourish rather than harm me. I avoided the truly unhealthy items and went for the best. It was yummy. I usually don’t have nutmeg pesto lasagna, garlic mashed potatoes, and salad with honey in the dressing–not to mention the little truffle afterwards! Yes, I am feeling guilty. But despite a little tummy ache this morning and the knowledge that I may be more sensitive today, I feel pretty good. I’m definitely enjoying my miso soup and barley cardamon porridge with a few raisins and a touch of brown rice syrup. Wondering how you deal with these gatherings? Thanks.

–Lysia from North Carolina

Jones reminds her reader to step back, grasp the big picture, and never food obsess. After a splurge, she says, you can always “come back to earth with some soothing bancha tea.” She has a newly-launched website where you, the reader, can be a companion on various dining and dating experiences. Funny!