Posted by April Shetrone on Mar.11, 2010

©iStockphoto.com - David H. Lewis

After watching a recent episode of Oprah, I have become increasingly interested in knowing where my food comes from and knowing exactly what is in the products that I eat. Featured on that particular episode was Micheal Pollan, the author of several food-related books. As soon as the hour-long episode ended, I logged on to Amazon and ordered Pollan’s newest book, Food Rules. Since the day my order arrived in the mail, I have become more conscious of my eating and have improved the eating habits of some of my most stubborn family members. This slim, 139-page book has changed my life, and it has the power to improve the diets of any family willing to open the paperback.

Unlike many nutritional articles and books, Pollan’s Food Rules is written for the average person, not a scientist. The language is easy to understand, the reasoning makes sense, and the rules are realistic. The book is divided into three sections, each answering people’s most daunting dietary concerns: what to eat, what types of foods to eat, and how to eat. In each of these sections, Pollan provides practical policies to help people bypass the “edible foodlike substances” and eat real food.

In addition to improving one’s health, the tips are eco-friendly. Pollan takes us back to the basics of eating and relieves the stress of counting calories, fat, and sugar intake. Even children can learn how to eat better from Pollan’s brilliantly crafted book. The clever yet straightforward rules such “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of milk” and “Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce” are effortless enough for people of all ages to comprehend and to implement.

Not only is Food Rules a must-read on every adult’s list, but it is also a reference book to educate our children and to improve the diets of our entire families. Instead of prohibiting our children from eating sugary treats and potato chips, empower the younger generation by educating them on healthy choices and letting them practice their own decision-making. If you want to simplify your dietary stresses, improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint, and empower your children, clear off a space on your bookshelf and purchase Pollan’s Food Rules. In as few as seven words, your life and health could be changed forever.

Tell us, what are your food rules?

Share

Posted under Book Reviews, GDM Books.