Imagine putting your hands in the earth; planting seeds; watching plants mature; picking ripe fruits, vegetables, and herbs; and then creating delectable family meals. Developing an intimate connection with nature can help you understand the energy of food in a deeply personal way. As you develop your intuition, you may even find that some foods, such as sugar, meat, and dairy, have extreme energy and are best used in moderation. You may even wish to reduce or avoid these extreme foods to help make the transition process easier as you take the steps toward a macrobiotic lifestyle.