In general this blog is about cooking, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk about a new book I just read: Food Rules, by Michael Pollan. I wholeheartedly agree with Pollan's philosophy on eating and really appreciate the time he's put into researching and writing about the food industry. His first two books, The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food, are two of my favorites, but I'm told they can be a bit too detailed by people who do not share my passion for food (although I really can't understand why anyone would get bored reading an entire chapter about the history and genetics of corn - I found it fascinating!) . This has made me careful about who I recommend them to, as I didn't want to risk alienating anyone with information overload!
But now Pollan has come out with a third book, Food Rules, which I read in about an hour last night. If you have read In Defense of Food you won't find any really new ideas here - it is based on his motto to "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants" and includes 64 "rules" for how to carry out this directive. What's really nice about the book, though, is how succinct it is. There is nothing groundbreaking here that you will read and think "wow, if only I'd thought of that I'd be in perfect health!" - but it is the kind of common sense info that is not actually commonly acted on. I think that Pollan is probably preaching to the choir and is unlikely to convert anyone new with this book, but for those of us who generally agree with him, it is a great reminder on how to eat. And as an added bonus, I feel totally comfortable recommending it to even people with the shortest attention span for this topic!
If you have any thoughts on Michael Pollan's books (or the movie Food, Inc. - another favorite!), please feel free to comment below :)
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I've read his first two books, and I agree that the Omnivore's Dilemma is fascinating - I loved it. The small family farm that he described was amazing and made me wish I knew of a place like that near me. I may check out Food Rules, because I could really use a little reminder of his principles...so often now I find myself just doing whatever is easiest, instead of really thinking through my food choices.
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