Q: How would you define macrobiotic food?

A: There is no shorthand answer; a lot of it is based on Eastern philosophy, like yin/yang and energetics. It all boils down to a diet based in seasonal, whole-food ingredients [and eating] a lot of plant-based foods for optimal balance.

Q: What are the health benefits of going macro?

A: In macrobiotics, we focus primarily on real, whole food, nothing processed or artificial. The benefits are staggering—it’s a full-body benefit.

Q: Tell us about a few macrobiotic staples.

A: Tempeh is the lesser-known cousin to tofu; it’s made from soy, but is fermented into a cake. It’s more healthful than tofu and more digestible, and has much more mineral and vitamin content. It’s also tastier. Seitan is [another staple], made from wheat gluten. It’s the protein in wheat that gives the bread its structure and muscle, so the seitan is that muscle isolated.

Q: How much does it resemble “traditional” food?

A: In the plant world, there’s a lot you can play with. Mushrooms have an earthiness and real robustness; whole grains bring a chew to the table; soy sauce has a depth of flavor; and edamame has a special taste you’re always looking for in your food. It’s a mixture of all these ingredients that bring the same satisfaction you would get from eating a beef burger when you eat our Big Macro.

Q: Do you believe macrobiotic eating is more prevalent these days?

A: ‘Macrobiotics’ has always been a scary word that turns people off, [but] its principles are completely spreading. [We’re seeing] more use of whole grains and vegetables and seasonal—if not local—ingredients; they just taste better and are more healthful. It’s really the new wisdom of macrobiotics, which is based on traditional knowledge and humans being more in touch with nature and following its cycles and rhythms.

That’s what M Café is all about: if you walk in here, it’s an “M” and you don’t know it’s based on macrobiotic ideas. We infused some California relaxed energy into it and want to make it more accessible.

Put a Bun On It

If you’re stumped for what to try at M Café, start with the Big Macro burger. According to Gross, “in standard macrobiotics, there is sort of a prescription of certain categories of food, and the Big Macro patty itself encompasses all of those. It’s like getting a complete macrobiotic meal within a bun; it’s got your whole grains, vegetables, beans, and protein.

BalleCore (at Playhouse Pilates): Where ballet, yoga, and Pilates intersect, you’ll find BalleCore. Created by former Boston Ballet faculty member Molly Weeks, this workout melds the core-focused movement of Pilates with Hatha Yoga-esque asanas and ballet conditioning; unique individual ballet barres are also used for added challenge and stability. In 55 minutes, you’ll flow through a series of floorwork and standing exercises—all set to an inspiring soundtrack. Stretch, strength, and soothe at http://www.playhousepilates.com

Yoga Booty Ballet (at SWERVE): Positive energy is always a-flowing in this upbeat class, often taught by Swerve founders Gillian Clark and Teigh McDonough. Described as an “East Meets West amalgam of meditation, cardiovascular dance, ballet, Kundalini and Hatha Yoga,” YBB ensures your body, mind, and soul will never be bored. Fun, funky signature moves, joyful affirmations, and uplifting instructors make for one enjoyable power hour. http://www.swervestudio.com

YAS (at various locations): Looking for a cardio-centric alternative to typical yoga classes? Spin your wheels no longer, and enter the “No Om Zone.” YAS (an acronym for “Yoga & Spinning”) classes feature 30 minutes of high-energy indoor cycling followed by 30 minutes of founder Kimberly Fowler’s patented Yoga for Athletes. Judging by the swarms of “YAS-aholics” who flock to its various locations, this total body workout is definitely addictive. Try it here: http://www.go2yas.com

So go forth and hybrid your heart out! Variety is the spice of life, after all.

3 Other Hybrid Workouts Worth Trying

 DanceWorks at YogaWorks

Hypno-Yoga For Weight Loss 

LotusKitty Power Cycle & Yoga

Ingredients

Soup:

• 2 lb. red heirloom carrot
• 0.4 lb. shallots
• 1 oz. garlic
• 1.25 qt. water
• 0.25 oz lemon thyme
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 0.5 lb burgundy heirloom carrot
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 pc fresh bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs of dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Soup Preparation:

Peel and clean all the vegetables; dice the shallots, garlic and carrot. Using a 12-qt. pot, slowly start cooking the onions and garlic with one-half cup of olive oil until light brown in color. Add the carrot and herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Add the water and boil for approx 20 minutes until all the vegetables are ready. Using a blender, add all the vegetables to make a puree and correct the thickness of the soup.

Garnish Preparation: For the confit carrot, simply warm up the oil on the pot and put the carrot on it. Add the rest of the ingredients, and let cook until they get soft. On the soup bowl, arrange the garnish and serve soup very warm.

Did you know? Olive oil is only 1.25 calories per spoonful.

Inspired? Beef up your own olive oil collection with these Fig & Olive favorites, and try these suggested pairings:

• Arbequina Olive Oil goes wonderfully with seafood and salads, and is also ideal for making pesto.
• Drizzle Frantoio Olive Oil over grilled veggies, pasta, roasted meats, or bruschetta bread.
• Picholine Olive Oil’s light, mild flavor makes a great companion for spring salads and vegetable dishes like Zucchini Carpaccio.

Le Petite Retreat: It doesn’t get more organic than this: the cozy Larchmont spa grows its own lemons and oranges for its signature treatment, the Sugar Rush Body Scrub Escape. All other scrub ingredients are locally sourced (see “The Well Wisdom” for recipe) and specially selected for their sloughing properties. A green tea-infused “escape bath” concludes the treatment to make sure you leave detoxed and dazzling. 331 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles 323-466-1028

Natural Face Place:Wondering why this under-the-radar gem has such high reviews on sites like CitySearch? We’re guessing spa-goers are glowing because owner Toni Ponzo leaves them doing just that. For facial exfoliation, try her Rejuvenating AHA Facial, which utilizes the peel powers of fruit acids from organic apples, grapes, and Jamaican naseberrys. The treatment also includes a paprika herbal treatment and face, neck, and shoulder massage—and the price is right at just $65. 8230 Beverly Blvd., Suite 18, Los Angeles  323-702-4279

Purity Organic Spa: Just because we’ve said sayonara to summer (and backless dresses) doesn’t mean it’s time to neglect the backside of things. At Purity, Zubrin offers a Botanical Back Treatment specifically geared at preventing pesky back breakouts and soothing this hard-to-reach-region. She begins by applying organic herbal cleanser and brushing off dead skin cells, then using botanical sugar grains for further exfoliation. For extra pampering, the treatment also includes a hot stone massage and an organic mineral mask. 3487 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Bungalow B, Universal City 323-969-9371

On the DIY Tip

Want to make your own spa-style scrub to use at home? Try La Petite Retreat’s sugar rush scrub recipe: 2 tbsp lemon zest, 4 tbsp orange zest, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup massage oil, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract.

A view to remember

For $80, we opted to venture out on the 4.5-hour Pacific Horseback Ride, on which a private guide would lead us through an unrivaled series of scenic vistas—from lush fields to beachside bluffs to the glimmering Pacific. I was paired with a seemingly mellow (note foreshadowing) brown horse named Wilbur. We started out by meandering through the ranch, noting the various types of cacti (thanks, Carlos!), peaceful palm trees, and menagerie of farm animals ranging from goats to pigs to chickens.

Once we reached the water, it was go time—literally! One of the horses took off galloping and the rest followed suit. As a beginner, I held on for dear life, alternately terrified and exhilarated by this unexpected turn of events. After about five minutes of unbridled “horse”-play (couldn’t resist), we finally got the horses to halt and I was able to take it all in. The view was absolutely astounding—it’s hard to find words that could describe the sheer beauty of our surroundings. Not a soul was on the private beach, and the sand stretched for miles sandwiched by mountains and the shimmery ocean waters. And, having been within inches of my life mere seconds ago, I appreciated the experience that much more. Carpe diem, indeed!

Another sublime experience was our day on the water with Cabo Adventures. Our group was whisked on the Snorkel & Sea Adventure, a boating excursion that included some of Cabo’s most iconic sights and snorkeling locales. We were paired with Beth, a gregarious British expat who was a lot of fun and very in tune with the life aquatic. The boat’s first stop was Cabo’s famous Arch, which makes for a striking juxtaposition against the blue sky. Also in sight was Land’s End, which is characterized by another of nature’s juxtapositions: Lover’s Beach (situated on the safe, calm waters of Sea of Cortes) and Divorce Beach (facing the rough, unpredictable Pacific Ocean—swimming is not advised).

Saying cheese in front of the Arch

We cruised for about a half-hour until we reached Playa Chileno, a snorkeling area once frequented by Jacques Cousteau. It didn’t take much coaxing to jump into the warm waters, which run about 20 feet deep and are populated with colorful, lively sea creatures. It was so much fun having Beth along, as she was able to point out specific sea life and show us how to use the power scooters. She also brought along several kayaks, which we happily jumped into once we’d had our share of snorkeling fun. Once back on land, we relaxed in the sun with nachos and Coronas—it was truly an unforgettable day.

Beth gives us a crash course on Cabo's sea life.

But alas, all good things come to an end, and we spent our final night in Cabo dining outdoors at Barcelo’s beachfront La Hacienda Steakhouse. Dining alfresco on delicious surf and turf and toasting to new friends—it was truly the perfect way to end our time in Cabo. Here’s to Mexico…and hopefully a return in the near future!

Since I arrived a bit early for my treatment, I decided to pass the time in the hydrotherapy room, which consisted of various whirlpools, pools, and saunas. Set at varying temperatures, each part of the recommended circuit is designed to be therapeutic and stimulate blood circulation throughout the body. And talk about waking up—let’s just say the extremely brisk bucket shower gives new meaning to the word “reinvigorating!”

The infinity pool at Barcelo Los Cabos

Next up was a relaxing Swedish massage in one of the upstairs treatment rooms. At first, I found it distracting that I could hear voices in the hallway—the entryways are curtains, not doors. But thanks to the able hands of my massage therapist, soon they were but a murmur and I was able to find my bliss. The pampered trance continued in the quiet room, where a large collection of books is available if you want to spend all day relaxing and reading.

But alas, curling up with a book wasn’t in the cards for me, as I was dying to check out the water aerobics class in the infinity pool at 12:30. (Barcelo offers a number of activities for guests, including bocce, volleyball, power walks on the beach, and trivia contests.) Our instructor was a Mario Lopez look-alike named Fernando, who had more energy than a dozen Mexican jumping beans. We shimmied and stretched to some fun upbeat tunes, and rewarded ourselves in the end with…what else?…a Miami Vice.

Me posing with a Day of the Dead-style mannequin

Afterwards, it was time for an afternoon tour of San Jose del Cabo set up by Barcelo with Tours of Fun. Our friendly guide’s name was Carlos, and he wound up being a treasure trove of knowledge about everything from Mexican history to cacti. (Fun fact: did you know that cacti grow two inches per year and can hold up to 40 liters of water?) As we drove into this colorful, quaint part of Los Cabos, I loved seeing all the vibrant mango, lime, orange, and avocado trees. I was also struck the many murals and art galleries, as well as tempting signs for drunk shrimp and tequila tasting.

Our first stop combined many of the above, as it was a small souvenir shop dedicated to “Day of the Dead” merchandise that also happened to offer tequila tasting. Score! First to sip was almond tequila, followed by mezcal and damiana, an herbal liqueur often used to make margaritas. We also learned that the most hangover-proof tequila is anejo, which is aged for one to three years. Carlos also piped in to tell us about pitaya, a type of dragon fruit produced by Mexican cacti—apparently they make a mean margarita! Slightly buzzed and satiated, we strolled the streets of San Jose, browsing various galleries and stopping to enter the Mission, a gorgeous church which was built in 1730.

The mission in San Jose del Cabo

Once back to Barcelo, I took a quick siesta and met the group at Capri, the on-site Italian restaurant. In what had swiftly turned into a theme for the day, I was inspired by the Botticelli-style art on the walls, and even more excited by the inviting Italian menu. I decided on the Sauteed Mussels in White Wine and Tomato Sauce to start, followed by mozzarella-stuffed tortelli pasta. A truly delectable ending to a deliciously delightful day!

Read Part Three of Whirlwind Weekend: Barcelo Los Cabos.

Upon deplaning on the tarmac in Los Cabos, the tension melted away as I felt the warm sunlight on my shoulders. (Not even the overzealous timeshare peddlers at the airport could steal my sunshine!) On the 25-minute drive to Barcelo, I learned a lot from the friendly driver about the place I’d be calling home the next week. Apparently, the region most people call “Cabo” is actually Los Cabos, comprised of two distinctly different towns: Cabo San Lucas (tropical, lively, and bustling with nightlife) and San Jose Del Cabo (the colorful, quaint, quiet yin to Cabo San Lucas’ bold yang). Luckily, I was about to experience both on my dreamy Mexican jaunt.

My junior suite at Barcelo Los Cabos

When I arrived at Barcelo, I was escorted to the Club Premium lounge to check in. There I was treated to my first view of the Sea of Cortes (say it with me…”ahhhh”), along with a welcome glass of champagne and an inviting sushi buffet. (California rolls in Baja California….how appropo!) I received keys to a junior suite and went to check out my temporary abode. Turns out the junior suite is one of several different types at the resort, along with Master Suites, Family Suites, Presidential Suites, and—my personal favorite—the Swim-Up Suite.

Awaiting me inside was a champagne bottle and a tasty array of fruits and cheeses, which I later learned is standard greeting for all Club Premium guests. Also on hand were a pillow menu (love that—feathers, please!) and a KITT-esque “Smart TV,” which can apparently do everything from order room service to close your curtains. Other features of note were the rain dance shower and the recently-debuted “Barcelo Bed,” replete with 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets.

My first stop after settling in was the pool, where the bartender clued me in on the most popular specialty cocktails. Though the mudslides were tempting, I settled on the “Miami Vice” as my poison of choice, as the fruity concoction seemed just right for my tropical surroundings. (Later on at the resort’s resident Martini Bar, I’d try a blue agave nectar tequila-based martini, which also ranked high on the tasty libation scale.) Armed with my Miami Vice—sans Don Johnson—I found an in-water chaise lounge where I could bask in the Mexico sun, relax and read my newest Glamour.

Freshwater prawn soup at Bon Vivant

At night, I met up with a group of fellow travel writers to experience Barcelo’s French restaurant, Bon Vivant. As someone who loves to eat, I was excited for the chance to try the first of six restaurants at the resort—they have something for every palate from Japanese (Lotus) to Italian (Capri) to tapas (El Cortijo). And since it’s an all-inclusive resort, I knew I’d be eating my way across the proverbial spectrum in the days to come! For my meal, I ordered the Freshwater Prawn Soup (when in Cabo!) and the Salmon Steak in Champagne Sauce, with a little Mexican Blanc de Blancs champagne to top off the festive feast. Another signature staple of the menu is the Lamb Persillade, aka “exquisite cuts of lamb with a thyme fragrance served on a bed of ratatouille of peppers and fine herbs accompanied by baby potatoes.”

Afterwards, the other writers headed to Skipper’s, a piano bar situated near the lobby, but feeling sleepy after my sun-kissed day, I decided to hit my feather pillow and rest up. After all, a full day of spa and exploration awaited! Read all about it in Part Two of Whirlwind Weekend: Barcelo Los Cabos.

“Until someone believes that they can be thin, be healthier, and succeed, it won’t happen,” shares Patricia Moreno, creator of the workout. “One great way of [accomplishing] that is by putting affirmation to action.”

So how does it all work? Workouts are separated into three sections—starting with a lively, upper body-focused cardio interval, followed by a yoga-based lower body section, and another centered on meditation and visualization. Typical fitness poses are renamed to inspire IntenSati practitioners; for instance, lunges are known as gratitude, while punches are called strong. “The [names] symbolize the way of being that you embody while taking on those poses,” explains Ann Taylor Lashbrook, who teaches IntenSati at several LA locations.

Positive affirmations act as a common thread throughout the choreography, set to monthly themes like “Are You Powerful Now?” Lashbrook says that repeating the affirmations helps to cement the beliefs and translate them to everyday life. “By doing it more than once, it definitely becomes part of you,” she explains. “That’s also kind of the challenge—to embody it as opposed to just making statements.

Though IntenSati has long been a popular offering in New York, the workout is just starting to gain traction here in Los Angeles. Try it at one of the five locations listed below or visit http://www.satilife.com for a taste of the “Sati Life.”

Think About It

Lasher suggests consulting the teachings of Law of Attraction guru Abraham Hicks, who maintains that focusing on a pure thought for 68 seconds can make permanent shifts in consciousness. “If you can make such powerful change in 68 seconds, think of what you can do in an hour,” she urges, referring to IntenSati.

Nosh

Il Cortile
Barely a year old, Il Cortile is the mouth-watering brainchild of L.A. transplants Carol and Santos McDonal. Committed to using the freshest fare, this Italian restaurant features exclusively homemade pastas; visit during afternoon hours and you just might spot Santos hard at work behind the machine. Fresh seafood from nearby sustainable fish market Pier 46—from calamari to shrimp—is also a staple. Located in downtown Paso, the eatery is just a short walk from numerous area attractions. (ilcortileristorante.com)
Tip: Don’t leave without trying the sublime “Finnochio con Burrata,” a dish combining crispy pancetta, polenta, caramelized fennel and burrata cheese, topped with a balsamic drizzle.

Thomas Hill Organics
Though Parisian-born, self-trained chef Julie Simon is just 23 years old, one would think she’d been in the culinary game for decades. Calling on the organic offerings of the 10-acre Thomas Hill family farm, Simon infuses the resto’s signature dishes with seasonal ingredients plucked from the farm’s 800 fruit and nut trees and considerable herb and veggie crops; all-natural, hormone-free meat is also used. Owners Joe and Debbie Thomas were inspired to open the Paso Robles space in early 2010 on the heels of a successful CSA (community-supported agriculture) program featuring their farm-fresh produce. Via a rotating wine list, the couple highlights local varietals from the region.
Tip: Enjoy your meal easy, breezy-style in the bistro’s airy, brightly lit outdoor courtyard. Afterward, shop in the quirky adjacent boutiques that share the atrium-esque space.

Olea Farm
Many locals contend that the Central Coast is becoming a leader in olive oil production—largely in part to farmers like Yves and Clotilde Julien. More than 1,000 Arbequina olive trees line the driveway to the quaint Julien home and tasting room in Templeton. Featuring oils ranging from “Lemon Blush” to the flavorful “Crescendo,” the Juliens provide samples of their wares not only paired with bread, but also drizzled over unexpected items like brownies and cheesecake. Homemade olive jam is also a favorite among devotees.
Tip: Like antiques? Ask the Juliens for a walk-through of their warehouse of antique European furniture.

Sip

Niner Wine Estates
Since its inaugural vintage in 2006, the team at Niner Wine Estates in Paso has been hard at work producing wines using only estate-grown fruit from its two vineyards, Bootjack Ranch and Heart Hill. In May, its long-awaited Hospitality Center was unveiled as both a tasting room and center for wine and culinary education. A circular tasting bar and outdoor demonstration kitchen for visiting chefs make this a truly participatory experience. (ninerwine.com)
Tip: Join “Club 9” and get access to thrice-yearly wine shipments, discounts on seminars and classes, free wine tastings and tours, and a members-only lounge.

Tolosa Winery
Situated in SLO’s vino-renowned Edna Valley, the Tolosa Winery is among the most environmentally progressive wineries in the Central Coast. In late 2009, Tolosa installed a high-efficiency set of solar panels to reduce the site’s energy use—offsetting as much as 95 percent of the winery’s electricity demand and supplying clean, renewable power back to the utility company. SIP-certified, the winery also prides itself on using no pesticides in its grape production. (tolosawinery.com)
Tip: White wine lovers should try the chardonnay, while red aficionados should sample the pinot noir—as Tolosa is best known for these varietals.

Shop

Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest
Embodying her personal motto of “Buy, eat, live locally,” owner Melanie Blankenship is incredibly passionate about supporting area agriculture. Just a 10-minute drive from Paso Robles in Templeton, her market features only locally grown and certified-organic produce, meats, dairy, bread and grains—all carefully curated by Blankenship. Nature’s Touch also offers a unique CSA-like program in which subscribers can pick up custom baskets featuring in-season selections, a recipe and a list of the local farmers who contributed. (ntnah.com)
Tip: Check out Blankenship’s weekly Earth Talk Radio show, named as one of the “Top 11 Green Food Radio Shows” by Mother Nature Network.

Happy Acres Family Farm
Those whose proverbial bucket list includes “milking a goat” are in luck, as this hands-on experience allows visitors to get down and dirty at this working goat dairy in Templeton. Along with playing farmer, visitors can also mix their own goat cheese to take home, using ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs from the family farm. And don’t forget to say hi to the friendly goats, miniature horses and alpacas that roam the property.
Tip: Stock up on fresh goat milk (natural and hormone-free), cheeses and handmade lotions at the on-site farm stand.

—This story originally ran in Whole Life Times magazine.

So why all the hype? Could be Soare’s guru-like status. First licensed as an esthetician in her home country of Romania, Soare developed her unique “Golden Ratio” brow shaping philosophy while working in numerous Beverly Hills salons before opening her own in 1997. Since then, she’s gone international with brow studios in various cities and Nordstrom locations, as well as a signature line for Sephora. But Angelenos have prime access to the beauty queen herself, as she still calls her Beverly Hills salon home base.

Despite the buzz and rapid growth, Anastasia Salon manages to maintain a friendly and inviting atmosphere. (The prices do indeed match the prime real estate, but the employees are refreshingly attitude-free.) Swathed in shades of lavender and ivory, the space is relatively small and intimate. Pop music plays as eager customers wait their turn for facials, waxing, lashes, or brow services—but the results need to be seen to be believed. So what are you waiting for? You and Anastasia could be on a first-name basis.

Insiders Say…

**Snagging an appointment with Anastasia herself can sometimes take as long as six months, but many devotees swear by stopping in early and getting on her wait list for same-day service. Plenty of prime shopping and dining is nearby, so staying entertained in the meantime shouldn’t be a problem!

**Can’t make it to Beverly Hills? Pay a visit to the Brentwood location, which offers a similar set of services.

For more 411: Anastasia Salon, 438 N Bedford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210-4301; (310) 273-3155