I am an A type and live in South Africa, Cape Town. I read the book - "Eat Right For Your Type" and want to follow the diet. I am also a bit overweight. My problem is that I can not find tofu or soya milk and soya joghurt. Also the wheat essence bread is a problem as nobody ever heard of it. Where to find amaranth and buckwheat and recipes to make a bread from that is also a problem. Soy products if you are lucky to find some are also quite expensive and not cheap as indicated in the book. What do I do now as soy should be the main ingredient in my diet and I am fully prepared to eat it as I do not like red meat anyway. Thanks! EURIKA

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Eat Right was written in the U.S. over several years, and first published in 1996. No one knew then that the book would be printed in many languages for worldwide distribution! So I must apologize that some of the statements about food availability and prices may not apply in your area.

Here's a contact I found:

SOUTHERN AFRICAN SOY FOOD ASSOCIATION

SUIDER-AFRIKAANSE SOJAVOEDSELVEREENIGING

The first Chairman of SASA, Mr Pieter Prozesky said "the Association hope to improve the contribution of soyfood to the nutrition of Southern Africa's people, as soyfood is seen as one of the food products of the future".

SECRETARIAT: Agrimark Consultant: Icy Jooste

CONTACT DETAILS:

POSTAL ADDRESS: PoBox 4132, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 9300

Tel: +27 51-404 1874 Fax +27 51-404 1705

E-mail: admin@soyfood.co.za

Web: www.soyfood.co.za

I know they were active at least until early 2001, so although their website is down as I write this, it may be only temporary. In the meantime, try calling or writing. They may have excellent suggestions for local companies making tofu, soy milk, etc. Of course, there are recipes on the Internet for making your own, but you will at least need soybeans to do so. Perhaps the SASFA can direct you to organic sources. Imports from the United States will most certainly not be organic, and it is of vital importance to get staple foods which are non-GMO. I hope they can be of help to you!

Essene bread is made from 100% sprouted grain, salt and water, and can be made at home. Go to the bottom of this page and enter "essene" into the search engine ~ I've posted recipes for essene and Ezekiel breads.

Recipes for all kinds of breads can be found in the thousands on the Internet ~ use your favorite search engine (try alltheweb.com, for instance) and I'm sure you'll find more than you can use!

I am surprised it is difficult to find amaranth where you are, since it is a major food crop of South Africa. Buckwheat is grown there as well.

Here's an idea to get general information on good food sources: The Women's Wholistic Health Directory lists resources and can be contacted directly with questions on where to find products you need. You might write to its publisher in Roggebaai, or get in touch with one of the suppliers listed under "Health Shops and Products." Even a shop devoted to aromatherapy might have good suggestions.

While soy is important in your diet, remember that it is only one element of many. One serving per day is plenty. Grains (again, one serving per day) and beans should be part of a balanced diet along with vegetables and fruits. Load up on local produce, enjoy some fish or chicken now and again, and use your type A exercise to relieve stress and aid weight loss.

Good luck, and thank you for writing!