Thoughts on Section I of "In Defense of Food"

In Section I of In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan's view on nutrition is keeping it simple. Throughout this book so far, it seems that what he’s trying to do is put things in perspective. He is re-focusing his image (and perhaps ours as well), while viewing the big picture.

One point Pollan makes is that food used to be a good thing—it was social, bonding, and beneficial. I agree with this statement. Now it seems that people are afraid to eat the way past generations used to—they didn’t care what the food was. If it tasted good, why not? We’ve gotten so caught up in eating “the right things”, we’ve forgotten how to enjoy it altogether.

However, Pollan makes a certain point at the beginning of his book that I feel conflicted about: “What other animal needs professional help in deciding what it should eat?” My major is dietetics, and I hope to go into a nutritional field one day. By Pollan making this statement, my future career in dietetics and nutritional science is not looking favorable. Although fortunately for me, people out there still feel they need massive amounts of guidance when it comes to nutrition and being healthy.

“Speak no more of food, only nutrients” was another important point brought up in the book. Pollan mentions nutrition experts only talk about nutrients, rather than food in general, which can be harmful. Every day more and more contradicting arguments and studies about nutrients are coming out. We seem to be working around food instead of just eating it. The food vs. nutrients ordeal has gone on far too long.

Philip Brewer, author of an In Defense of Food review blog, agrees with Pollan’s main objective: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” We are hearing too much information rather than keeping it simple, which is how Brewer describes In Defense of Food. Brewer claims the book is straightforward, and I agree. My feelings on the book so far: eat in moderation, and you’ll be fine.

Preview of "In Defense of Food" Review by Philip Brewer: "The message of this book is simple: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Michael Pollan gives it away right at the start, so I don't feel too bad doing the same. If you already eat food, but you worry about health and nutrition, you'll find this book fascinating and important. If, on the other hand, you're the sort of person who tends to eat less food and more "edible substances" and "food products," you will instead find this book important and fascinating..."

http://www.wisebread.com/book-review-in-defense-of-food