There are many dimensions of nutrition that need to be further explored and studied in order to fully understand the effects of food on our bodies. The biggest issue with nutrition currently is that consumers of the Western Diet are receiving too much nutrition. The overabundance of food has arguably caused us to eat ourselves into obesity, health problems, and debt.
There is no one who can argue that the obesity problem in this nation is not a problem or should not be fixed. Obesity related problems affect almost all of us in some way, shape, and form. Many of us worry about our bodies and keeping them healthy. It can be argued that the best way to reverse the effects of the Western Diet is to remove processed foods from a diet, or only eat food our grandmothers would recognize.
Kevin’s response to Pollan’s claim that processed foods are causing sickness and obesity. He also points out that MSG is another likely factor in the obesity equation. I agree with Kevin’s claim and the science that backs it up but also want to emphasize that with so many different contributors to obesity, it is difficult to pick out a single culprit that needs to be addressed. Other factors that should not be ignored include the amount of daily physical activity, snacking habits, hereditary diseases, social class, environment, and personal food choices.
There is still so much that is not known about how food helps or hinders our bodies. I feel it is inappropriate that there is so much emphasis placed on one ingredient, or one nutrient, that may cause or prevent obesity. Scientists and nutritionists should be looking at the big picture. How will we prevent diseases associated with the Western Diet and how will these decisions affect future generations?
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I couldn't agree more, obesity is a multi-faceted issue that will not be solved by eliminating just one of the main causes. Proper diet and exercise is a crucial concept for Americans, and our schools and families have retreated away from consistent, healthy meals.
ReplyDeleteWhile returning back to "whole foods" is an important part of regaining a proper diet, it is not something the American public can easily swallow. Advertising for fast food commands us to live by the "drive-thru" and was even heavily synthesized with the recent Winter Olympics. What a travesty! I'm sure plenty of American Olympic athletes have eaten their fair share of fast food, but they most certainly do not live by them the way many other Americans do.
The best solution appears to be education and distribution of alternative methods that emphasize the importance of eating healthy, but delicious, foods. Proper eating and exercise does not have to be as painful as it sounds, but it will be left to schools and families to properly educate our children on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.