I read Michael Pollan’s New York Times piece: “Unhappy Meals” back in January and In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto
The subtitle “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” is probably a terrible plot spoiler but it’s the solid, common-sense-flavored sort of idea I like. This is also important knowledge to me as a parent, as I try to shape the eating habits and the opinions of food of my daughters. I’m not looking for a food bible, but I like to read informed opinion and have some science as a foundation for my argument against sugar substitutes and non-dairy creamer. From the Amazon description:
“Humans used to know how to eat well, Pollan argues. But the balanced dietary lessons that were once passed down through generations have been confused, complicated, and distorted by food industry marketers, nutritional scientists, and journalists-all of whom have much to gain from our dietary confusion. As a result, we face today a complex culinary landscape dense with bad advice and foods that are not “real.” These “edible foodlike substances” are often packaged with labels bearing health claims that are typically false or misleading. Indeed, real food is fast disappearing from the marketplace, to be replaced by “nutrients,” and plain old eating by an obsession with nutrition that is, paradoxically, ruining our health, not to mention our meals.”
Pollan also wrote The Omnivore’s Dilemma
JP | 15-Jan-08 at 5:53 pm | Permalink
I own the Omnivores Dilemma - haven’t read it yet, but at least it’s on deck on the nightstand.
ronan | 15-Jan-08 at 9:40 pm | Permalink
As much fun as you can make of it I feel sooo much better for only eating fish and veggies so far this year. Doing my best to eat more fresh veggies and fruit too.
Michael | 15-Jan-08 at 11:48 pm | Permalink
*I* don’t make fun of it.
I’ve been on similar runs in my time and I do generally feel better. But dude, a hamburger is good. A steak is good. Bacon? Awesome. I’m easing back on that stuff, but cutting it out isn’t an option for me.
Mandy Parker | 16-Jan-08 at 3:34 pm | Permalink
it’s hard to eat right in this world today, that’s for sure, especially with kids. I finally broke down and bought jessica seinfeld’s book and it works like magic. Kids are eating broccoli in their meatballs, beets in their pancakes, spinach in brownies - no complaints and works for grownups too!
Mandy Parker | 16-Jan-08 at 3:36 pm | Permalink
and yes, bacon and burgers are good too - but it all depends on your workout habits, how you eat the rest of the time, and your DNA. I workout 6 days a week, don’t eat anything fried or any white sugar/flour/pasta/rice - and my cholesterol is like 260. So, things can strike you down no matter what you do. Stay on top of your bloodwork is my recommendation, cause you never know what’s really going on there.
ronan | 17-Jan-08 at 10:57 am | Permalink
Have you heard the advert on Sirius about “sticks to the walls of the colon like spackle, or paste”? —- Gross!
Don’t have the discpline to cut back on delicious burgers n bacon, it has to be all or nothing for me. *sigh*.