Food College Essay Example
Food College Essay Example

Food College Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (932 words)
  • Published: October 21, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The role of nutrition in maintaining a long and healthy life is crucial, but there are differing opinions on the best approach. Some advocate for moderation and increasing fruit and vegetable intake, while others stress self-trust and better decision-making. Currently, poor food quality, harmful ingredients, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of exercise contribute to over 95% of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is essential to make changes in our daily eating habits. There are numerous debates on how to eat healthier and improve dietary choices. Mary Misfield and Michael Pollen have proposed their own theories and recommendations for adopting a healthier lifestyle. Pollen promotes the concept of nutritionalism, which involves choosing real, organic, unprocessed foods instead of preservative-laden fast food. Conversely, Mary Maxwell believes that being slim leads to a longer and healthier life compar

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ed to being overweight. In my opinion, the benefits of healthy eating include enjoying any desired foods but in moderation.

In order to foster a happier and healthier society, it is important to engage in home cultivation of food, maintain regular exercise routines, and consistently make wise food choices. While fast food may be cost-effective and convenient, I agree with Misfield and Pollen that prioritizing better dietary choices and increasing physical activity levels is necessary to combat obesity and promote a healthier environment. Michael Pollen, a bestselling author and one of Time magazine's top 100 most influential people in 2010, coined the phrase 'Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.' In his essay 'Escape from the Western Diet,' Pollen highlights the drawbacks associated with the Western diet by emphasizing society's preference for fast, easy, and cheap food options without considering their high calorie

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and fat content. Additionally, there is often ignorance towards the increased risk of diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease that come with consuming fast or processed foods. According to Pollen, embracing nutrition as a concept brings pleasure back into eating for society. Although initially enjoyable, fast and convenient foods have negative impacts on our bodies that ultimately make them unpleasant. Choosing healthier alternatives to food benefits society overall due to long-term physical and emotional advantages.Recent studies indicate that Americans are spending less time preparing food but more time consuming it. Pollen argues that to address this issue, more time should be dedicated to preparing fruits and vegetables, as they contain healthier carbohydrates. It is crucial to consume food in moderation and incorporate plant-based options into one's diet to obtain adequate nutrients for growth and development. Pollen emphasizes that nutrition is a better choice compared to the Western diet, highlighting the importance of investing more time and effort into food for a longer and healthier life.

On the other hand, Misfield presents an opposing view in her essay "Food as Thought: Resisting the Normalization of Eating" (2010). She believes individuals conditioned by the Western diet are unlikely to choose healthy foods, leading to illness and obesity. Maxwell's statement aligns with Misfield's perspective on sensible eating, encouraging individuals to trust themselves, their bodies, and meet their needs. This viewpoint directly correlates with Pollen's three rules of trusting oneself when it comes to eating, avoiding overeating and undereating, and recognizing changes like ill-fitting pants by trusting one's body.

Additionally, Misfield raises concerns about the lack of attention given to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia due

to excessive focus on overeating.I agree with Misfield's belief in listening to our bodies and adjusting our diets accordingly, as everyone has unique needs for a healthy lifestyle. Similarly, I share Maxwell's view that personalized approaches to nutrition are essential for each individual. However, there is doubt about maintaining current eating habits solely based on emotional or social factors. It is argued that keeping up with constantly changing food trends is impossible, and a societal shift in the provision and consumption of food is necessary.

It should be noted that fast food and processed food are still wrongly seen as healthy choices. While I partially agree with Misfield's idea of eating for emotional or social reasons, it cannot be fully accepted. Nonetheless, Pollen's concept of moderation leading to healthier choices and improved habits in the future is supported.

The importance of portion size in maintaining a healthy diet should not be underestimated. Many people fail to realize that the ingredients list on a product indicates more than one serving size, resulting in unnoticed accumulation of calories and fat content.

Establishing a personal garden to grow fresh fruits and vegetables proves to be both cost-effective and beneficial for dietary health as it allows control over pesticide levels while adopting healthier eating habits.While moderation in eating is important, it is widely believed that incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one's diet and regularly exercising offer the best long-term benefits. Various opinions exist regarding achieving a healthy lifestyle, but there is universal agreement that heavily relying on the Western diet and fast food is not ideal for overall well-being. The argument made here is not to completely eliminate fast and artificial

food, but rather to carefully examine dietary habits. In "Escape from the Western Diet," Pop emphasizes the importance of adding more plants to one's diet for healthier eating. In "Food as Thought," Mary Misfield suggests trusting one's body and adjusting diets based on individual needs. Regular exercise and making smarter choices in eating are also crucial. Starting a personal garden can be a positive step towards living a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, society should address the negative aspects of the Western diet and strive towards creating a healthier and happier society.

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