The state of nutritionism

I was reading Michael Pollan's book In Defense of Food last night and read something that really resonated with me. It's in the chapter that's talking about "nutritionism", how since the late 1970s, the U.S.'s food policy and the scientists that help create it views food as the sum of its various parts, or as the parts itself. How often do you see the words protein, carbs, and/or fats on the front of a food package? Those words are as critical as the pretty colors or the happy mascot to our buying, it seems.

The quote that really made me think is from Harvey Levenstein, that for the last century "...taste is not a true guide to what should be eaten; that one should not simply eat what one enjoys; that the important components of foods cannot be seen or tasted, but are discernible only in scientific laboratories; and that experimental science has produced rules of nutrition which will prevent illness and encourage longevity." It's like we Americans think that we need others to tell us how we should eat. Ridiculous! I for one want to eat what is enjoyable and the things that I know are good for me. I'm glad I'm doing all this learning, but I'm finding that I know more about what's good and what's bad than I thought. The hard work is just sticking with that!

Today when I was on the treadmill at the gym, a local tv show was airing a profile of Dave of Dave's Killer Bread. I've always seen Dave's Killer Bread at Costco and was able to try some at a friend's party, but never really thought about buying it. It's a little spendier than the others out there and I thought the brands I was buying were just fine. After seeing the profile today, though, and learning a little more about the products, I'm sold.

It turns out that Dave was in prison several times over the years for armed robbery and assault, amongst other things. He turned his life around and took up his father's trade, which was baking. He now makes these amazing breads that are all organic with as few ingredients as possible. Not only that, but they strive to make the breads in a sustainable way. The next time I buy bread, that's what I'm getting!