Thursday, March 31, 2011

What do you like or dislike about Michael Pollan?

Sam: I like Michael Pollan.  I appreciate the work he has been putting in towards educating people on making better decisions on their food choices and how those choices impact our economy, environment and health.  I have read his books:  "The Omnivore's Dilemma" (my favorite), "In Defense of Food", and "Food Rules."


LIKES
  • "Culture over Medicine"-When it comes to proper food intake, we should be learning from what is "tried and true", not what some industry sponsored reductionist scientist is coming up with in a test tube.
  • "Being seduced by the Fast Food Culture"-It is cheap and it is quick… and deadly!
  • "Losing the Food Culture of our Ancestors"-Most people have no idea how to eat today, and even if they did, it is very very difficult to stay disciplined 24/7/365.
  • "Instant Gratification"-Cheap and fast/convenience food is quite the temptress, obviously more seductive than slowly cooked local food, but the consequences are dire; it impacts our economy (subsidization), our environment (carbon footprint), and our health (disease/death).
DISLIKES:
  • "Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants"-Generally speaking, most people are going to benefit from this advice.  But, individually speaking, a lot of cultures will not flourish on this type of eating (low protein and low fat intake).  Do you have ancestors that were Inuit, Masai or Maori for example?  If so, "mostly plants" is NOT going to get it done!
  • "Losing the Food Culture":-This may be minor, but important none the less.  Native Americans and Hispanics have NOT even adapted to processed food, let alone fast/junk/convenience/manufactured food.  Eating cheap food may slowly cause the majority of the population health concerns, but for these two cultures the impact is sudden and destructive.

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