Michael Pollan is on the front lines in the battle to change the way we eat. He is a journalist with amazing research skills who went on a mission to find out where our food comes from and the effects of how we produce food on the environment, economy, politics and human health. He has written several books and I have read them all, but the Omnivore’s Dilemma is IMHO, the most comprehensive look at food issues today. If you have a desire to know more about the hows and whys of food production, you should start with this book.
In my opinion, any thinking person who eats food in America that hasn’t read this book, really should. A quote from the book explains why, “Is it possible that history will someday judge us as harshly as it judges the Germans who went about their lives in the shadow of Treblinka?”
I’m not a food nazi by any means. I eat fast food, I eat vegetables out of season, I drink wine from France and use olive oil from Italy. I do, however, think about where my food comes and how it is produced and this book has helped me decide where I stand on the issue and how much and what kinds of my food intake should be sourced locally. I work full time and have a house and animals to care for and am as busy as the next person at the drive through at McDonald’s. There are days when fast food or no food are my only options. I am attempting to work my way towards a more sustainable existence little by little. Everyone has to make their own decision based on budget, time and knowledge. This book can start you on the road to that knowledge.
xxoo,
RMW
Your post is very interesting! I have not read any of his books, but I think we should know where our food comes from. Personally, I do not eat fast food (except pizza) and try to eat healthy for the most part. Thanks for sharing.
That is really interesting. I know healthy eating and we do that , I only think we have to learn about fat and how much there is in different meats.
I loved this book~ I didn’t realize it all started with corn. I was fascinated with the grass farmers moving the fence for the cows grazing, and the cycle of insects with the hens. It makes me want to eat only grass fed beef 🙂
Mary,
I felt the same way. I’ve been working at slowly finding better sources for my food, one step at a time…
xxoo,
RMW
This does sound very interesting. I am a vegetarian but I’m sure I make many mistakes.
I’ve heard that once you read this book you change what you eat. I’ve been meaning to read it, and should pick it up but am afraid of how I’ll view food afterwards.
Good ‘O’ word.
Dear Lavender Cottage,
This book really did change the way I look at food. It’s a real eye opener!
xxoo,
RMW
Sounds interesting. You should think it would be easier to eat local and eat healthy. I might have to find this one and read it. Thanks for the suggestion.
We love getting local food. It is earlier to do in the summer.
This book has been on my list ever since watching Food Inc. Thanks for reminding me that I still haven’t read it!
Guess I better go find the book. But I’m still making your last recipe:)
Such an interesting, reflective post – as always!
Have a great Alphabe-Thursday and weekend too,
Alphabe-Thursday
This book sounds very interesting, thanks for the recommendation.
Since fast food isn’t a daily option here in rural Normandy,(you can only find a McDo in towns)we don’t eat any and I can honestly say we don’t miss it.
I’m going to look for this book at the library. Sounds fascinating!
I saw Food Inc with Michael Pollen and was greatly impressed as well as a bit depressed. We are so far from where we should be.
My oldest son has been preaching to me about this same issue, where our food comes from, etc.. and he insists on going to local farm market.
This book sounds interesting and amazing!
Sounds like a worthwhile read.
I find myself moving in the same direction, largely due to a close friend who is taking her masters in nutritional healing. She is really opening my eyes about food and its importance to our health.
=)
Sounds like a very interesting read. I think A LOT about everything that goes into my body. I will be reading this!
Sounds wonderful. I kinda sorta already pay attention to what I consume. One for health reasons, one because of where the food is grown and how it is processed, and three because organic can be very expensive. I will check him out. By the way, I don’t mean to sound ignorant but what does IMHO mean?~Ames
Hi Ames,
It means “In my humble opinion”.
xxoo,
RMW
I like to visit you! The post is interesting as always and you seem so much fun in your life! Enjoy the wekeend.
I’ll look for this book. My son is very interested in all things ‘food’ and has raised my conscience about it all. We need to teach our children to think about where food comes from, how it’s produced and what it means on a global scale.
What an important post. I read this book (and a lot of books like this) when I was at my daughters last naturopathic rehab in Minneapolis.
The ‘sickening’ of America continues…
And it is, indeed, sickening.
I wish everyone would embrace the philosophy that ‘we are what we eat’.
Thanks for sharing this RMW!
Very powerful.
A+