We are proud to feature Sheri DeMaris, M. Ed.- age 58. She eats a very healthy and plantbased diet. Sheri: “I feel younger than friends my age.”
Sheri DeMaris and Michio Kushi
Sheri is a Macrobiotic teacher and cookbook author who has taught cooking at various restaurants and cooking schools throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. She has consulted with chefs at top rated restaurants such as the Ritz Carlton and the Williamsburg Inn and has taught doctors and nurses at cutting edge medical/health programs such as the University of California San Diego School of Integrative Medicine and Hahnemann University.
Sheri is Level 4 graduate of the Kushi Institute. She is the author of the book “Macro Magic for Kids and Parents”, host, director and producer of an alternative health TV show: “Tea with Sheri”; a cooking TV pilot: “Macro for the Mainstream” and a number of cooking TV videos for children. Sheri holds a Masters in Counseling from the College of William and Mary, VA, and postmasters in Counseling from Villanova University, PA and work full time in a public middle school where she developed an after school cooking program for students.
Do you have a company related to Macrobiotics?
Yes I have a company called “Tea With Sheri”. I created this company in 2000 to help others learn the teaching of Macrobiotics. I first created a local TV talk show ( www.teawithsheri.com) where I would have a cup of twig tea with my guests to discuss all facets of alternative health. The majority of my guests included macrobiotic teachers and book authors.
I feel younger than friends my age, I have more energy as well. I have a brighter outlook on life and a very positive direction in life. I also am very intuitive and often times have very clear dreams for my future direction and work with children.
What made you live by the rules of Macrobiotics?
In the fall of 1981 my mother and I attended a Thanksgiving Macrobiotic Dinner in Moorestown New Jersey. We instantly feel in love with the food and lifestyle and
Sheri-Lyn DeMaris
I began taking cooking classes. In 1983 I began to study with the Waxmans in Philadelphia and moved into one of their Macrobiotic study houses where I lived for four years. During that time I began to learn cooking, futon making, and Macrobiotic counseling. Macrobiotic teaching was very popular in Philadelphia at the time, since a well known doctor had written a book called “Recalled by Life” and was exploring its healing properties for his cancer. Many people were taking cooking classes at that time looking to help health their own health condition. Following my four years of study at the study house in Pennsylvania, I began to study at the Kushi Institute in Becket, Massachusetts. I was fortunate at the time to have Michio teaching my level 3 and 4 classes. Upon graduation in 2006 I have been teaching and traveling in the US and abroad. Macrobiotic teaching opens up a whole new world of experiences and friendships throughout the world, I was the American guest for the Vegetarian Festival of Tokyo Japan and presented a lecture to Japanese doctors on the healing properties of foods. I also taught for 5 years in Amsterdam at the Kushi Institute Summer Conference in Amsterdam and studied in Lier Belgium.
How is your way of life different now than how it used to be?
Absolutely better! I wasn’t suffering from any major health condition but could now see an improvement in my emotions and way of life.
I think many forget that Macrobiotics considers a very large view of life. Often times thru the teachings students get a very narrow detailed view and make it more of a ritual or books of rules to follow.Have you changed a lot about the way you live?
Cooking still requires a lot of time and pre planning but I love it so I have easily incorporated it into my lifestyle. I still work full time in a school as a counselor but am lucky that I am done my workday at 3pm so I have time to shop and prepare my own food.
What part of Macrobiotics do you find the hardest?
It would be great if there were more good quality restaurants that served macrobiotic foods especially when traveling throughout the Midwest USA.
Do you live a 100% plant-based lifestyle? If so, does that extend to your clothing and shoes and such?
Yes, I prefer all cotton clothing and natural materials in my furnishings and my clothing.
Who was your inspiration?
Michio Kushi
What do you eat on an average day?
Tofu, Brown Rice, Kale
Usually a grain porridge for breakfast with some greens or steamed sour dough bread. Lunch and Dinners I like a large variety of soups, salads, grain bean and vegetable dishes. My niece is a professional chef who I have taught Macrobiotic cooking so she and I prepare our meals together. We are exploring all the various ethnic dishes and creating a lot of our own creations.
How has Macrobiotics changed you physically and mentally?
I feel younger than friends my age, I have more energy as well. I have a brighter outlook on life and a very positive direction in life. I also am very intuitive and often times have very clear dreams for my future direction and work with children.
Can you tell our readers your view on Macrobiotics?
I think many forget that Macrobiotics considers a very large view of life. Often times thru the teachings students get a very narrow detailed view and make it more of a ritual or books of rules to follow.
Macrobiotics had quite a hippie image for a while. Do you think that’s still the case?
No not at all. I have many students from all walks of life attend my cooking classes.
Are there less enjoyable side effects to Macrobiotics?
No these days everyone is looking to improve their quality of eating.
Have you done courses in Macrobiotics?
Some say I am the eternal student. I have completed all the levels at the Kushi Institute in Becket, the Strengthening Health Program at SHI, and two levels of Tom Monte’s Healing Program. I like to remain open and receptive to all macrobiotic teaching and continue to study as there is always so much more to learn. I learn quite a lot now from teaching and counseling others.
Is there a sport you practice? Have you done Pilates before?
I love to swim in the ocean and fresh water lakes, play tennis, hike, and practice yoga. I took one Pilates class in it and enjoyed the class.
What is your goal in life?
My dream is to creatively inspire people of all ages with new ideas in Macrobiotic cooking.
Did you write a book?
Yes, Macro Magic for Kids and Parents.
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