In Defense of Food Book Review
Author: Michael Pollan
In Defense of Food is an eye-opening and inspiring read about nourishment and the Western Diet today. Michael Pollan's writing style is easy to read and flows beautifully and comfortably. He makes the reader aware of the unhealthy shift in our western diets. Michael Pollan does this in a blunt and incredibly informed style with frequent footnotes, additional information, and a long list of sources. The beginning of the book addresses the loss of focus on 'whole/real food.' He finds that too much importance is given to the different nutrients that may comprise the food. Michael points out that too often, nutrients are added to 'food-like substances' to make up for their lack of nutrition. This is because they are manufactured and hold very little actual nutrition. He shoots down science's interference with food and nutrition and reminds us that the simpler way, the traditional way, is better.
Whole Food Rules
In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan outlines which one should follow to ensure a more "whole" diet. The rules are: Eat Food, Mostly Plants, and Not Too Much. Within each rule, he has sub-rules. Under ‘Eat Food’, Michael explains the difference between food and "food-like substances." To give you a taste, my favorite in this section is ‘Don't Eat Anything Your Great Grandmother Wouldn't Recognize as Food’. Here he discusses how food has moved away from nature. He explains that the foods that don't have packaging and have been the same for years are what we should be eating. Another favorite rule is to ‘Avoid Food Products that Make Health Claims’. He states that if it has a health claim, it has a wrapper; this is the first sign that it isn't "whole." And if it has to make a health claim, it means there's probably something else it's hiding. The are so many more gems in this book and I urge you to give it a read.
More book recommendations
If a healthy diet is on your priority list then be sure to check out another book that I recommend called Farmacology.
If you or someone you love is struggling with digestive issues check out Gut and the Complete Low FODMAP Diet. They are absolutely wonderful and super helpful reads.
Connect with me
Come chat with me on social media and let me know what you thought about this book, or any of the others I have as my favorites. Do you think I am missing a good book on my list? Come let me know on one of my social channels or write me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.
