I’m pretty sure I picked up this book after reading something on ElasticWaist or somewhere similar. While EW would only pay it so much attention - Self magazine is, after all, predicated on the nutritionism that author Michael Pollan speaks out against - I’ll give them points for at least giving it a read.

While there’s some thick, dull stuff in some parts of the book for the most part it is readable, elegant and simple. In fact, it’s kind of a relief. I’m glad Pollan is around to tell me that all those vitamins minerals added to my food don’t do me a damn bit of good. I already know corn syrup is bad news - I live daily with an allergy that has made grocery shopping much more difficult.

And while Pollan distills the message himself beautifully and elegantly with his opening statement “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants,” I’d like to add my own distillation for those who read and act on his words like I am trying to do: rather than going to the grocery store and buying food, try buying ingredients instead. It’s a little less convenient than just zipping something through the microwave, but it will restore both your sensual pleasure and maybe give you a stronger sense of health.

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