Book Series- In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Since finishing “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” the sequel “In Defense of Food” popped up as a book I should read (listen to) next. So I did.

You guys, it just gets better and better! “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” goes in depth about where food comes from, and “In Defense of Food” discusses the government agencies interference with how to eat.

The information covered on labeling, ingredients, and big company marketing practices is truly something every American needs to be aware of. A food labeled with a health claim is most likely more interested in the sales ($$) than your health. And if a food has to be labeled as a health food, do you think it really is? Vegetables aren’t labeled as a health food… because it’s obvious! For example, a box of cereal holds numerous health claims because it’s fortified with vitamins and minerals, yet those vitamins and minerals are lonely constituents slapped together to meet criteria per the FDA and the food can now bear a label stating “low cholesterol, good source of fiber” etc. and appear to be “healthy.” Fun fact- those fortified constituents aren’t absorbed as easily as they would in naturally occurring foods. Therefore do they offer the same health benefit?

Yeesh. My non nutritionist opinion here- Eat food that you know where it comes from, ie) farmers markets, local farms, your own garden and eat whole foods as found in nature!

This book also shares different studies pertaining to weight loss and how subjective studies can be. I could discuss more about the flawed studies, but it really just reminded me of another book which dissects the same studies. The same flawed studies used to “prove” specific weight loss diets work when they actually don’t. With that, “The Obesity Code” by Jason Fung is next on my book recommendation list for you. I could nerd out about it, or you could just read it. You should do that.