Escape From The Western Diet Analysis

Brianna Mulhern
Mr. Richard Kensinger
LA 301 Connections III
29 September 2015
The Western Diet In the essay, Escape from the Western Diet, author Michael Pollan addresses the repulsiveness and utterly unhealthy aspects of the eating habits Americans exhibit. Pollan discusses a variety of issues related to the American food culture, including how the food industry and medical community contribute to these problems. In addition, Pollan presents his personal opinions and solutions for solving the problem while encouraging healthier eating. Incorporated within Pollan’s claims throughout his essay are specific quotations and analysis from various experts regarding the Western diet. Pollan’s assertions regarding the Western diet are absolutely
Understanding basic principles of nutrition is essential for the food industry because it gives them the required knowledge to alter the processing of foods without actually making a significant change to the overall healthiness of the food. Pollan states, “For the industry, it’s obviously preferable to have a scientific rationale for further processing foods – whether by lowering the fat or carbs or by boosting omega-3s or fortifying them with antioxidants and probiotics – than to entertain seriously the proposition that processed foods of any kind are a big part of the problem.” Pollan is showing that the food industry will do whatever it takes to promote their products, rather than actually fixing the problem and creating a healthier menu. In other words, fast food companies can attempt to alter their products by lowering amounts of fat or carbohydrates rather than actually introducing new products that are better for the consumers. They simply make minor alterations to existing products expecting the consumer to assume the new product is better for them. Therefore, these food processing industries do not actually attempt to fix the real problem. This issue is becoming more and more prevalent all around us, and we as Americans need to be more cognitive of the foods we are consuming on a regular
Pollan makes bold points and accusations against the food and healthcare industries, claiming they are more focused on gaining revenue rather than the health and well-being of the American citizens. In addition, he offers up his own three simple rules regarding proper dieting and healthy eating. His advice includes the encouragement of consuming more fruits and vegetables, avoiding fast food, and rationalizing properly. This is sound advice for the people who want to live a healthier life and consume a diet better than the Western diet. As mentioned, the food industry, medical community, and fast food chains are all focused more on making money rather than advocating for the American citizens. Until the food industry redefines their techniques of making new healthier foods, America is going to continue down the unhealthy path laid out by the Western