In the Defense of Food

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If you want to be enlightened about what you’re eating and its effects, I suggest you pick up “In the Defense of Food” by Micheal Pollen. In it, he discusses how most of what we’re eating is not food but “edible foodlike substances” – freaks of nature food science packaged in “good for you!” labels. This “food” has lead to an increase in heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Why is it the more we concern ourselves with nutrition, the less healthy we become?

Some Interesting Facts

  • In 1960 Americans spent 17.5% of their income on food and 5.2% on health care. Now we spend 9.9% on food and 16% on health care. Hmmm…
  • We now have to eat 3 apples to get the same amount of iron as you would have gotten from a single 1940 apple.
  • The body is starved of critical nutrients so it will keep eating in hope of obtaining them.
  • For the first time in history, we have people who are overfed and undernourished.
  • In America, nearly a fifth of all eating takes place in the car.

Some of Pollen’s Advice

  • Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.
  • Avoid food products with ingredients that are A) unfamiliar, B) unpronounceable, C) more than five in number, or D) include high-fructose corn syrup.
  • Avoid food that makes health claims.
  • Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle.
  • Eat mostly plants, especially leaves.
  • Pay more, eat less.
  • Eat meals.
  • Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does.

This book is filled with amazing insight and great advice. Pick up a copy and then be sure to visit your local farmers market for some whole food! Bon appetit!