Evidence linking the 'Western diet' to compromised health and various forms of disease (among others, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, cancer) continues to grow.
Despite the activities of various health care specialists (including those in medicine, nutrition and research), poor nutrition habits are common throughout our nation.
Articles and books have commented on examples of the many failures to reverse alarming and unhealthy eating choices of individuals [think of the current levels of obesity and diabetes].
It has become obvious government promoted food policies have not been effective for decades.
As Michael Moss has documented in his 2013 book, Salt Sugar Fat, how and what we currently consume as food has dramatically changed during the past sixty years.
What steps can be taken to reverse these trends?
At the individual level, how is one to make practical food choices daily?
Michael Pollan, Food Rules
A refreshing and valuable contribution addressing this topic was made over four years ago by Michael Pollan in his 2009 book, Food Rules: An Eater's Manual (Penguin) - distilling years of his research, these rules are tools accessible to the public for making personal decisions.
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| Ways To Eat Food An Enjoyable Discovery |
Pollan, a noted journalist and author interested in all matters related to food, wrote his 140 page book utilizing input after consultations with a diverse community: in his words, "folklorists and anthropologists, doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and dietitians" along with "mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers" as well as the public (readers, contacts at conferences, online) to assemble these "broad guidelines" (= "personal policies").
His brief yet informative comments to embrace cultural food traditions have been obscured by the ongoing debates about food and nutrition history, science and competing ideas of individual personalities within different disciplines (medical, government, industrial) with interests that often appear to be in conflict with the health of our population.
My brief comments below highlight some of his perspectives and shared wisdom on making personal food choices.
Pollan's basic message, in his words: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants" - initially appeared in another of his publications (In Defense Of Food) published in 2008.
In Food Rules, Pollan has organized his thoughts under three main headings:
- What should I eat? (Eat food)
- What kind of food should I eat? (Mostly plants)
- How should I eat? (Not too much)
We are reminded "Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food."
Among the authors statements: "Avoid food products
- containing ingredients that no ordinary human would keep in the pantry"
- that contain high-fructose corn syrup"
- that have some form of sugar (or sweetner) listed among the top three ingredients"
- that contain more than five ingredients"
- containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce"
- that will eventually rot"
- that have been cooked by humans"
"If it came from a plant, eat it, if it was made in a plant, don't."
The author reminds readers "Its not food
- if it arrived through a car window"
- if it's called by the same name in every language (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles)"
- mostly plants, especially leaves"
- your colors"
- animals that have themselves eaten well"
- like an omnivore"
- well grown food from healthy soil"
- some foods that have been predigested by bacteria and fungi"
- sweet foods as you find them in nature"
- all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself"
- more like the French. Or the Japanese. Or the Italians. Or the Greeks."
There is value in following food traditions.
One is encouraged to "Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism", to "Favor the kinds of oil and grains that have traditionally been stone ground" and to "Treat meat as a flavoring or special occasion food."
One is encouraged to "Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism", to "Favor the kinds of oil and grains that have traditionally been stone ground" and to "Treat meat as a flavoring or special occasion food."
Remember: "Eating what stands on one leg [mushroom and plant foods] is better than eating what stands on two legs [fowl]which is better than eating what stands on four legs [cows, pigs and other mammals]". Also: "Don't overlook the oily little fishes."
Pollan acknowledges healthy food cost more: "Pay more, eat less."
Among his suggestions: "Eat
- ... less"
- when you are hungry, not when you are bored"
- slowly"
- meals"
We are advised to "Try not to eat alone" and to "Do all your eating at a table" keeping in mind the following: "The banquet is in the first bite."
One is encouraged: "Don't get your fuel from the same place your car does."
Pollan recognizes human nature. Readers should "Treat treats as treats" and to "Break the rules once in a while."
Contact
Bob Crowther
774-272-5760
bob@bobcrowther.com
Treat yourself. Read this book, become better informed and healthier. Take the opportunity to explore the many issues underlying the 64 Food Rules in more detail.
Acknowledgment is given to the author Michael Pollan - his words as written are cited as they appeared in his book.
#Yoga And Nutrition # Food Rules # Michael Pollan # Nutrition Guidelines #Yoga With Bob Crowther
