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You are here: Home / Food / What I’m Reading – Food Rules

by Stacy  6 Comments

What I’m Reading – Food Rules

The book Food Rules: An Eaters Manual was recommended to me on Facebook by Syndey. By now you know I LOVE to read……and this book was delightful! Unlike a lot of the other heavy books about food and nutrition, this one was witty and at times I laughed out loud. I like this book because it wasn’t written by a nutritionist…..or a doctor…..or some know-it-all. It was written by a journalist who got his information by interviewing people. No, he didn’t only interview doctors, etc……he also interviewed grandmothers and mothers: people who REALLY know what they’re talking about. The book is comprised of 64 “rules” that Michael Pollan collected after researching what we really should be eating. Most of the rules are things you’ve already heard – from your grandmother or great-grandmother….from times when there wasn’t an issue with over-processed foods and GMO junk.

The 64 “rules” in the book are divided into sections to focus on his main point: “Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.”Here are a few of my favorite rules:

–“Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce.” Have you ever tried to read the list of ingredients on a box of Twinkies? Not gonna happen. I’m really trying to take this rule to heart. I’m examining labels now….if there is something in it and I don’t know what it is, it goes back on the shelf. Pronto…..to stay with those Twinkies that will still be around when I kick the bucket. And speaking of Twinkies that last forever:

–“Eat only foods that will eventually rot.” Think about it…..food should rot. It really should. If it’s in your cabinet for a year and it’s still good in the box? Uhhhh, what is in there that’s keeping it from going bad? *Shiver* There are exceptions to this rule: dried beans, canned items (which do eventually go bad), and wheat berries. Once, Barry’s Aunt Judy put a Happy Meal out on her table and let it sit…..for weeks. She just wanted to see what would happen. After several weeks, it still looked exactly like it did when she put it there. Ew. *Shiver*

-“Don’t ingest foods made in places where everyone is required to wear a surgical cap.” Who really likes to wear a hair net? Do you wear a hair net when you cook in YOUR kitchen? Probably not. I think the exception to this rule might be the school cafeteria…..and it might be odd to see a lunch lady without a hair net.

-“It’s not food if it’s called by the same name in every language. Think Big Mac, Cheetos or Pringles.” This one really gave me a laugh, so I had to include it.  🙂

-“Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk” So true….what makes those Fruity Pebbles fruity? I’m pretty sure it’s not FRUIT. We follow this one very well. We eat homemade granola and sometimes I splurge and buy organic cereals – but none of them change the color of the milk.

-“The whiter the bread, the sooner you’ll be dead.” Again, HA! This just made me laugh.  :mrgreen:

-“Treat treats as treats.” A lot of people on their “whole foods diet” get a little carried away and forget that it’s okay to have a treat now and then. It’s okay to eat cake on a special occasion. You just don’t want to eat it with every meal. Don’t get so uptight that you can’t enjoy a piece of pie. Get your panties out of wad. You walk funny that way.

-“Break the rules once and a while.” Obsessing over something isn’t good for anyone. Then it becomes an idol. Whole foods should NOT be your idol. Yes, feed your family well…..but don’t wig out when you can’t.

It’s a quick and easy read……and you’ll enjoy every minute. You’ll keep saying “Duh! I knew that.” It’s full of you stuff you already know – but you just forgot.“All things in moderation. Including moderation.” –Oscar Wilde

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. jade baker says

    October 18, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Have you read Omnivores Dilemma? Also an EXCELLENT book by Pollan. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 18, 2011 at 1:57 pm

      Not yet, but it’s on my list. 🙂

      Reply
      • jade baker says

        October 18, 2011 at 2:53 pm

        It’s SO good. It will empower and infuriate you at the same time. If I had my copy (currently loaned out) I’d bring it up this week when I see your hubby. It’s worth buying though, if for no other reason that to have it to loan out to other people when you’re done 🙂

        Reply
        • Stacy says

          October 18, 2011 at 3:39 pm

          🙂 I tend to get books at the library…..because I’m cheap like that. LOL

          Reply
  2. Linda says

    October 15, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    Sounds like a good, fun read.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  3. [email protected] says

    October 15, 2011 at 8:42 am

    “All things in moderation, including moderation” ~ I like that 🙂

    Reply


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