“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
28 Jan
Seven simple, yet powerful words that sum up Michael Pollan’s philosophy about food.
Now, I don’t always agree with the health views Oprah Winfrey promotes on her TV show (think Suzanne Somers), however I was happily surprised by her recent interview with Michael Pollan, author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” Pollan was on to talk about the documentary, Food Inc., to which he contributes, as well as his new book, “Food Rules.” In a previous blog post, I included Food Inc. as one of the best “health-related” films of the past decade and I’m hopeful this discussion on Oprah will garner it more deserved attention.
Basically, both the film and Pollan’s work, emphasize the necessity for North Americans to get back to eating whole, real foods rather than “edible food-like substances.” Here are several of the 64 “rules” covered in Pollan’s most recent book:
“Don’t eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”
“Don’t eat anything with ingredients that a 3rd grader couldn’t pronounce.”
“Stay out of the middle of the supermarket. Shop the perimeter of the store.”
“Don’t eat anything that eventually will not rot.”
“Don’t buy food where you buy gasoline.”
“Avoid food you see advertised on television.”
“If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t.”
“Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the colour of your milk.”
“Do all your eating at a table.”
“Always leave the table a little hungry.”
Yes, perhaps these rules are a bit simplified and seem logical, but that is part of why I believe Pollan’s presentation of them is so effective. I discuss this type of nutritional advice with my patients on a daily basis and I find that difficulty often lies in making these ideas memorable and guiding the individual to come from a place where they are honestly motivated to make these changes in their life. The beauty of “Food Rules” lies in its memorableness and brevity.
Personally, I believe the first two words of Pollan’s catchy phrase, – “Eat food” – are most important. Yes, there may be more to it than this, but imagine if this was our starting point. No more emphasis on counting calories, worrying about low fat/low carbs, etc. Solely a focus on eating whole, real foods. Imagine how this one change could impact the state of health in North America.
Obviously, there are other issues – policies, agendas, politics – that are beyond the scope of this post that affect how our society eats. Pollan admits, it takes more money, planning and time, to eat healthy, although I’m not convinced fast food is always cheaper. For those that can afford to make these changes is the sake of convenience really a good argument?
So I recommend checking out both Food Inc. and Food Rules. Ultimately, it comes down to being conscious – conscious of what and how you are eating. As Food Inc. suggests towards the end of the film, if consumers begin to choose whole foods over processed foods, you can be sure the corporations will have no choice but to listen.
Have you seen Food Inc or read Food Rules? What are your opinions?
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Why is beef not a health choice. Is grass fed beef better.
@Diena Yes, grass-fed beef is a much better choice. Cows have evolved to eat grass, not grains. It’s much healthier for the animals, us and the environment. Meat from grass-fed animals does not have hormones or antibiotics and tends to be lower in saturated fat and higher in omega 3 fatty acids.
Just saw the movie Food Inc. and was astounded. I found myself watching it with my mouth & eyes wide open for the majority of the film. I consider myself “informed” about food; have eaten vegetarian for nearly 20 years, and “all natural” & organic for the last 5. Yet still some of the issues brought to light in this film were new to me, and rejuvinated my desire to continue to eat healthier. The movie was horrifying and amazing. I can’t wait to read the Omnivore’s Dilemma. Its been sitting on my bedside table since Christmas!
@kblogger Thanks for your comments. I agree – even though I feel I have a good background in nutrition, healthy eating, etc. I was still shocked by the tour of the conventional food supply that we are given in this film. It inspires you to want to do better. Omnivore’s Dilemma is a great read – straightforward, to the point in a good way.