I devoured the book, In Defense of Food, with the zest of a desert dweller upon a new-found water source. Author, Michael Pollan, manages to intrigue, enlighten, and inform. Pollan manages to stay, for the most part, objective in relaying the state of food in America today. His witty, humorous, and deeply passionate personality shine in every page encouraging the reader to stay up till the wee hours of the morning to absorb this fascinating tale of history, health, and truth.
Pollan covers it all: why, where, when, how, and what of the food industry and its impacts on our health. He mentions organic versus chemicals; his approach is wonderfully fact-based and not a drop of preaching. Studies are cited. Names, places, and dates are given. Vegetarianism is mentioned a handful of times, but for those meat-lovers do not fear. Pollan also eats meat and stays away from directing anyone to eat or abstain from animal-eating. He does diplomatically point out the necessity of vitamin B12 and how amino acids interact and "play together" in the body. Something a non-meat eater might like to consider being that this is a challenge for some vegetarians.
With courage and integrity Pollan stands up for food in the face of politics, agriculture, food companies, and even nutritionists. Investigation takes center stage as the author plays sleuth to uncover and reveal links behind what claims to be food on grocery store shelves and disease. He questions how things are and offers suggestions on taking steps today to alter what goes in your mouth and to see that what you eat is actually food! Not only that, but Mr. Pollan writes about the process of eating, how much, with who, and where.
This is not a book with recipes and strict rules to adhere to. You will not find a food protocol to be followed blindly. Here you will find education, guidelines, and inspiration. You will be well-armed to make healthy and intelligent choices when buying, making, and eating food.
Eating is here to stay; if we follow Pollan's advise, real food will be too.
Enjoy and Bon Appétit!
3 comments:
Thanks for the review! I keep seeing this on bookshelves but haven't heard anyone talk of it yet.
Wow, I'll have to check this out...I think he wrote another book David has - The Omnivore's Dilemma, perhaps? Or was that someone else? Anyway, thanks for the review!
Yep, Pollan did write the Omnivore's Dilemma and a number of other books (many related to gardening). I just got OD, but haven't read it yet. Hear it's awesome!
Post a Comment