My new favorite book is Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan, illustrated by Maria Kalman. When I say favorite, I mean FAVORITE. I look at this book every single day. I love everything about it.
Not only is this my favorite book, but it is a book that I believe everyone MUST read. And that’s saying a lot because I don’t say that often. It is practical, brilliant and beautiful. All of my favorite things wrapped into one package (Silver Lining).
Pollan says everything he’s learned about food and health can be summed up in seven words:
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.
You know what else I love about Food Rules? Finally Five adores it. Yesterday, we sat outside and read half of the book in one sitting. It sparked wonderful conversation about eating. How inspiring is that? Full disclosure: I happened to be blessed with a little girl who will do a face plant into a bowl of peas (Silver Lining).
Here are my most favorite rules from the book:
- Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.
- Stay out of the middle of the supermarket; shop on the perimeter of the store.
- Don’t eat anything that won’t eventually rot.
- Make water your beverage of choice.
- If it came from a plant, eat it; If it was made in a plant, don’t.
- It is not just what you eat but how you eat.
- Don’t buy food where you buy your gasoline.
- Place a bouquet of flowers on the table and everything will taste twice as good.
- Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce. This happens to be Finally Five’s favorite!
- Eat when you are hungry, not when you are bored.
- Eat your colors.
- Eating what stands on one leg (mushrooms and plant foods) is better than eating what stands on two legs (fowl), which is better than eating what stands on four legs (cows, pigs, and other mammals).
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The principles in this book are the most perfect and beautiful way to begin a new year.
Hi Hollye –
I'm reading it today. Sounds like a nice blend of humor & great advise – love the stay to the perimeter of the store. Agreed, except for the nasty bakery items.
Enjoy. You're so right about the yucky bakery items. Ewwww.
What a find – thank you!
New revelation that "Food Rules"
was available in an illustrated edition.
I had read the original addition and
loved it but now my little ones can
devour(pardon the pun) the illustrated book.
Being California kids they eat and live
healthy and now they have a joyous
reminder to keep on their library shelf.
Fabulous, Lynn. Enjoy it!
I think I'll be ordering it right now! I love his books! This looks just perfect for our house, too. Thanks for sharing the pictures in the book, makes me want it even more.
Enjoy your day!!
There's something extra special about the artwork. I just love it!
Oh thank you Hollye! I am a huge fan of Michael Pollan and Maira Kalman's work totally sends me! Cannot wait to get this!
Then you will LOVE it! Enjoy!
I couldn't agree more! All of his books are (common) sensible, funny and an absolute delight to read. What a lovely way to get FF on board.
Thanks, Kim!
I'm going to town this afternoon and am stopping at Barnes and Noble to buy it! I'm to get some weight off, as is my husband, so this sounds like it will help. Hope everyone associated with The Silver Pen has a great, safe, peaceful and prosperous New Year!
Great! This book will certainly do the trick!
Hope your 2012 is spectacular!
Love the comment on not eating anything your Great Grandmother would not recognize as food. How back to the good old days could we go- back to basics.
Thanks, Joan! I agree completely!