I recently “read” Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan. “Read” is in quotes because I ended up borrowing the illustrated version of the book from my local library (btw, libraries are a wonderful resource and you should definitely utilize them while you have the chance). I hadn’t realized there was an illustrated version. So, the whole book ended up reading a lot like a child’s picture book. Not that I mind. But I was expecting something more like one of his other books, like In Defense of Food or An Omnivore’s Dilemma, you know…actual books that you have to read.
Anyway, I picked up Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual, illustrated edition, and it was rather interesting. I didn’t particularly need a rulebook on how I’m supposed to eat. I picked the book up because I like his writing and his take on food. Have you realized that a lot of the things that we consider food today aren’t really? They’re so processed that they’re more like the nutritional pellets of science fiction novels. Also, I was curious what kind of rules he could possibly put down on how to eat. What I found was basically, you should “[e]at food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” The “rules” that he has in the book aren’t really rules in a traditional sense. They’re more like guidelines to help you rethink what food is and what your relationship is to it.
One rule that made me rethink my relationship with food was “stop eating before you’re full.” That one is interesting. But it seems to be true for a lot of cultures around the world. They don’t eat until they’re stuffed and their belly feels like it’s going to explode. They eat until they are no longer hungry, which is not the same as eating until they’re full. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to apply this when I’m babysitting (zombie sitting?) the zombie stomach.
Here’s another rule, just because. “Regard nontraditional foods with skepticism.” Maybe you should treat them like how you would suspicious hot dogs.
Anyway, pick it up and give it a read. If nothing else, it’s short (because it’s like a picture book).
Random moosages as I see fit. 