In Defense of Food

OK.

I have said from the beginning that this blog is all about technology, but if you don't have your health, then all the technology in the world isn't going to be worth talking about.

I just finished reading Michael Pollan's Book "In Defense of Food," and what an amazing read it was. I truly wish that I could buy a copy of this book and give it to everyone I know.

The book is a fast read; broken up into several sections; first — a history, then — what's currently wrong with things, and finally — what to do about it. Television commercials about "high fructose corn syrup" (put out there by the corn lobby) will NEVER be the same to you again. Honestly, what will never be the same to you again is a walk through your local supermarket. How's that for getting your attention?



And, very honestly, there's not much earth-shattering information in this book. It's the type of information that you know is out there and exists. You know that there is something very wrong with our food source because of the higher rates of juvenile diabetes, asthma and obesity. You know that there is something very wrong with our food source because of the higher rates of cancer and other disabling disease in the middle-aged population as well.

But rather than tell you about it — I am going to ask questions that this books answers and maybe pique your interest enough to go out and buy it.

• Why did Senator George McGovern fail to be re-elected the last time he tried? (Ask the dairy and red meat lobby about that one.)
• Why is it better to eat butter than margarine?
• Why has putting nutritionists in charge of our diet menu not only ruined an untold number of meals, but has done little for our health, if not possibly made it worse?
• Why was the "low fat campaign" based upon little scientific fact?
• Did you know that our brains were made up of 60% fats?
• Why does a sprig of broccoli grown in the present day have less nutrients in it than ten years ago?
• What happens 20 minutes after you begin eating?
• Why are we eating more food, but getting less nutrients?
  
• Why should we pay more for good food?
• Why should we only shop on the outside walls of the supermarket? (Or, why should we stay away from the center aisles?)
• Why do Americans spend less on food and expect to get more? And why is this killing us?

I could keep going, but I have to go and make my dinner. And while doing that I am going to follow the best advice that is in the book (and is the first sentence of the introduction):

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.