Excellent article on 'Nutritionism'

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WhiteSoxFan - 06 Feb 2007 16:29 GMT

Hello All,

I have to urge you all to read this article that appeared in the New
York Times magazine a few weeks ago: http://www.clipclip.org/clips/
detail/13363/unhappy-meals-michael-pollan-new-york-times

The article focuses on the transition from our eating "food" to our
input of "essential nutrients". Nutrients being a nebulus entity open
to endless debate. Today's "omega-3 is yesterday's oat bran. In both
cases the food industry was quick to get these hot button nutrients
into any and just about all food we eat.

A couple of highlights from the article are consider this phrase: "eat
more low/fat food" Doesn't that cancel itself out? George McGovern
back when he unsuccessfully ran for senator after his presidental
defeat tried to simply advance the notion of eating less in general.
The government opted for the first phrase instead and the food
industry made sure that McGovern lost and you'll be hard pressed to
find a politician who will will risk that platform again.

Do you recall the "big news story" of a few months ago that stated
"study on low/fat diet is inconclusive about results" or something to
that effect. Well the study was began 8 years ago back when a "medium"
portion of meat was 4 oz. The "study" consisted of a multi-page
questionare that participants were "trusted" to remember their diet
many months in the past not to mention their "honesty" in filling out
the study.

WSF

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WhiteSoxFan - 06 Feb 2007 19:57 GMT

I noticed that the site auto hyperlinks only a portion of the complete
url. Copy and paste the complete url below.

http://www.clipclip.org/clips/detail/13363/unhappy-meals-michael-pollan-new-york
-times

Also my apologies for not stating this post to be off-topic.

WSF

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Hugh Kearnley - 06 Feb 2007 21:40 GMT

That was NOT really - "off-topic" WSF.
Anything about ways of tackling this Tiger - is by definition - "On-Topic" -
as far as I'm concerned. Keep it coming.
And Thankyou - I learned something else today.
Best to You,
Hughie.

>I noticed that the site auto hyperlinks only a portion of the complete
> url. Copy and paste the complete url below.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> WSF

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I.P. Freely - 06 Feb 2007 20:19 GMT

> "eat more low/fat food"

implies (and usually states) "while maintaining the same calorie input".

I.P.

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Tdub - 07 Feb 2007 17:48 GMT

Well, if you're a WSF, then you must eat like George Wendt did in the
SNL "da Bears" fan club skit/spoof. I had RRP 3 1/2 yrs ago, and MI
(heart attack 1 yr ago). I have undertaken an aggressive program for
improving my cardio profile. In doing so I have researched cholesterol
and diet. My latest epiphany was to discover the value of cutting back
on carbs, particularly of the refined variety. Low carbs reduces
triglycerides and raises HDL (the good cholesterol). Previous to this
I cut out all deep fried food and virtually all eggs, dairy fat, trans
fat and greasy meats, and ate substantially more fruits and
vegetables. I feel much better as a result and have lost weight
without even trying, just knowing what foods to eat. Now for the next
tests to see my HDL improve . . . Diet has a huge impact on our
health and the key is selecting food, not so much limiting it,
although the experts say that we Americans have lost sight of the fact
that our ancestors went for extended periods without food due to food
scarcity, and thrived on it. Our genes are a product of this scenario
(i.e., the thrivers had more kids), so that it is best to feel good
and hungry part of each day, before (resorting to) eating. Same goes
for the food we eat. What our ancestors ate several centuries ago is
(much) better for us than all the refined and processed foods
available today (this is also part of our genes). If you vary too much
on the dietary habits of our (long ago) ancestors you are looking for
trouble.

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