can be summed up in a few simple words: Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
And that's how Michael Pollan begins his Eater's Manifesto and his well thought out "defense of food." Pollan argues that much of what we eat today is not real food at all. Instead, our grocery stores are packed with highly processed "food like substances" that can hardly be considered real food at all. Pollan explains how this came to be and who is benefitting from this drastic change from real food to what you find in most of the aisles at the grocery store (hint: it isn't you).
Of course Pollan argues for organically grown food - but he doesn't advocate shopping at Whole Foods every week. He promotes Community Supported Agriculture (something I'm now thinking about joining) to get your food locally. Or, shop at farmer's markets.
I found this book to be very interesting. I admit, there were slow parts. Pollan explains a lot about the history of how all this came to be. *Yawn.* And the science (or lack of) of it all. *Yawn.* At one point I just couldn't take it anymore, and I admit, I skipped about 7 pages of the book. He does back up his argument though, which is great. I wouldn't be recommending this book otherwise.
However, I found the argument convincing, who can argue that people shouldn't eat more unprocessed foods? There is a certain element of common sense that this book just strengthens. If you aren't game for reading the entire 200 or so pages, and already believe that you should be eating better but aren't sure how, just read the last third of the book. The final section outlines how you can get your hands on more real foods and what you should be looking for in the grocery aisle.
I know this has certainly changed my outlook on food. As someone who has struggled with finding the "right" things to eat, I realize that Lean Cuisines aren't all they're made out to be and I might be better off with less "convenient" foods. Since reading this book, I haven't eaten a single frozen meal and haven't missed them at all. It will probably take a lot of baby steps before I follow all of Pollan's recommendations, but I'm certainly going to work in that direction.
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ReplyDeleteIf people want to cheat (like me...) just watch the movie Food, Inc.. I blogged about it and posted the trailer, and provided links if interested to take action. It forever changed the way I view food, and I think that is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteSorry I forgot to link to the post: http://newshadeofgreen.blogspot.com/2010/02/food-inc.html
I'm halfway through the same book after watching Food Inc. Another good movie on the same topic: Fresh.
ReplyDelete-Kim
I need to see that movie!
ReplyDeleteI'm not totally converted to the idea of spending every Sunday morning at the Farmer's Market (just me and how I prioritize my time), but I do try to load up well on fruits and veggies during my weekly smash-and-grab raid at the supermarket. I love that they're such an easy health win...
I read an article (I think by the same guy) that had some basic rules that I loved. If Grandma wouldn't consider it real food (Yogurt in a tube for instance. Is it food or toothpaste?) and if a second grader can't pronounce the ingredients, the safe bet is to put it back. I also liked the idea that you can eat bad from time to time, but you should make it yourself. People would eat a lot less french fries if they had to make them from scratch themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely common sense, but it's also something we don't always think about. It's so easy to mindlessly put items in the cart without thinking about where that item came from.
Thanks for the review! I might have to pick it up!
I want to see the movie too!
ReplyDeleteStruggler - Luckily for me, I think the farmer's market in our area is about a block away from the grocery store, so it shouldn't add much time for us. I've never actually been though so we'll see ...
Meg - It sounds like the article was the same guy (I think he uses the yogurt in a tube example in the book too!). It really is mostly common sense and it does make you look at what you have in your cart a little more closely.
This is on my list to read. Still have to finish the last chunk of The Omnivore's Dilemma before I will let myself though!
ReplyDeleteDid you ever end up joining a CSA? That's a sure-fire way to force yourself to eat lots of veggies. We get so much fresh produce every week that it pushes the processed foods, pastas, and non-seasonal stuff right off of our shopping list!
ReplyDeleteloveandaleash - I looked into it, but I couldn't find a CSA with a pick-up/drop off that would work for us. I still think it's a great idea though. Regardless, I eat a lot more produce now than I used to which I love.
ReplyDelete