Happyreader's review
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto
by Michael Pollan
Was this the same guy who wrote the New York Times article last year? Or was the article written about him? I loved the article ... it's a shame the book isn't better.
It is indeed the same guy. It is a shame. That article should probably have remained an article but everyone involved probably saw a chance to further capitalize on Omnivore's Dilemma.
Excellent review. As someone who grew up being aware of food because my mother was, I am truly amazed at how little most people know. I definitely make bad choices sometimes, but, at least, I know I am making them. Watching a friend, who was a picky eater and skinny all of his life before age 40, try to lose the tremendous amount of weight that he's acquired since then is an almost stereotypical case in point. And, fad diets are such a case of magical thinking! I always recommend Weight Watchers. They basically incorporate everything that I've ever learned about nutrition.
Thank you for the kind words. Weight Watchers is a great plan to recommend since it provides flexibilty and teaches people to change their eating patterns to make healthy eating choices over the long-term. With weight loss, there's also a lot of psychological changes that need to be made and for that I highly recommend "The Beck Diet Solution" and "Mindless Eating."
I just checked my library and found that Eat Drink and Lose Weight is on their shelves. I like to read good diet and nutrition books just to help keep myself on track. I'm wondering if I can give the 2 books that you recommend to my friend without making him feel insulted. Maybe I will just wait for the right moment and recommend them. Where do you work as a dietician? Wherever it is, they are lucky to have you.
I think you'll enjoy "Eat, Drink, and Lose Weight." Mollie Katzen wrote most of that book and she has a very non-judgmental style. As for your friend, it depends. You're right to be cautious about giving advice or advice books. You have to determine first whether the person is open to receiving advice. Neither book is insulting but "The Beck Diet Solution" is very much directed to the person who is trying to lose weight. "Mindless Eating" is more humorous and more about how our environment continuously tempts us to eat more and strategies to deflect that influence. It's a very quick read. I practice as a dietitian in Chicago. I have really lovely patients who are a joy to work with. Mind you, our struggle right now has been how to exercise when there is bone-threatening ice on the sidewalks. Thank heavens spring is almost here.
Happyreader's review
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan
Happyreader's review
rating:
bookshelves:
food-and-cooking,
health-and-diet
I hated reading this book. And that's sad because I agree with his basic premise. Just eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants. And I would add, try and get off your ass once in awhile. But this book was excrutiating to read. I read the first 50 pages, gave up, and went to the last section on his very basic food rules, gave up again. His language was all black and white with blanket condemnations and blanket recommendations, ironic since that's what he condemns in scientific thinking and food marketing. Oddly, he comes off as so much more even-handed in his interviews.
That said, his message is important but what's really going on is more nuanced than presented. As a dietitian, I agree that people should be able to figure out what to eat on their own. I really should only have to meet with people with special medical conditions and dietary needs. Instead, many of my patients haven't a clue and they rely on supplements, protein powders, and various bars to meet their need...more
That said, his message is important but what's really going on is more nuanced than presented. As a dietitian, I agree that people should be able to figure out what to eat on their own. I really should only have to meet with people with special medical conditions and dietary needs. Instead, many of my patients haven't a clue and they rely on supplements, protein powders, and various bars to meet their need...more
comments (showing 1-6 of 6)
Was this the same guy who wrote the New York Times article last year? Or was the article written about him? I loved the article ... it's a shame the book isn't better.
It is indeed the same guy. It is a shame. That article should probably have remained an article but everyone involved probably saw a chance to further capitalize on Omnivore's Dilemma.
Excellent review. As someone who grew up being aware of food because my mother was, I am truly amazed at how little most people know. I definitely make bad choices sometimes, but, at least, I know I am making them. Watching a friend, who was a picky eater and skinny all of his life before age 40, try to lose the tremendous amount of weight that he's acquired since then is an almost stereotypical case in point. And, fad diets are such a case of magical thinking! I always recommend Weight Watchers. They basically incorporate everything that I've ever learned about nutrition.
Thank you for the kind words. Weight Watchers is a great plan to recommend since it provides flexibilty and teaches people to change their eating patterns to make healthy eating choices over the long-term. With weight loss, there's also a lot of psychological changes that need to be made and for that I highly recommend "The Beck Diet Solution" and "Mindless Eating."
I just checked my library and found that Eat Drink and Lose Weight is on their shelves. I like to read good diet and nutrition books just to help keep myself on track. I'm wondering if I can give the 2 books that you recommend to my friend without making him feel insulted. Maybe I will just wait for the right moment and recommend them. Where do you work as a dietician? Wherever it is, they are lucky to have you.
I think you'll enjoy "Eat, Drink, and Lose Weight." Mollie Katzen wrote most of that book and she has a very non-judgmental style. As for your friend, it depends. You're right to be cautious about giving advice or advice books. You have to determine first whether the person is open to receiving advice. Neither book is insulting but "The Beck Diet Solution" is very much directed to the person who is trying to lose weight. "Mindless Eating" is more humorous and more about how our environment continuously tempts us to eat more and strategies to deflect that influence. It's a very quick read. I practice as a dietitian in Chicago. I have really lovely patients who are a joy to work with. Mind you, our struggle right now has been how to exercise when there is bone-threatening ice on the sidewalks. Thank heavens spring is almost here.