Two books you should read. Now. Go out and get them. I'll wait.

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I just finished two excellent books, which, when I started out, didn't seem related at all. The first, Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food, is an entertaining and fascinating look at the impact of science, business, and journalism on what we eat. The second is Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall, an examination of the nature of humanity wrapped in an adventure story.

Both Pollan and McDougall are fine writers, able and engaging storytellers dealing with a complex central argument in a compelling way. Pollan tackles food science and the food industry, McDougall sports medicine and sports footwear. 

In its opening section, In Defense of Food traces the rise of nutritionism, evaluating food in terms of its component micro-parts - vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants, and the like - the reductionist view of what we eat. Next, Pollan considers what we eat and why we eat it, cataloguing the Western diet and gradual industrialization of food. Finally, he offers what he calls "personal eating policies" to help us to escape nutritionism and become healthier, happier, eaters.

McDougall starts with a question - "why does my foot hurt?" - and embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of biomechanics, shoe engineering, evolution, hunter-gatherer societies, ultra-marathons, and love to get the answer. Along the way he introduces us to an unforgettable group of characters via a number of diversions from the thread of the main story, and entertains us thoroughly.

At the heart of both books is a truth that we humans were designed for something better than we currently experience. We were not intended to be unhealthy and unfulfilled, but to have a more abundant life. Neither were we meant to struggle to eat well, to live well. Food and running were meant to be enjoyed and to be part of making life better. Pollan and McDougall challenge us to seek that more abundant life that God promises us, and help us get on the pathway.

Comments

Nancy Barnes said…
Exploring love to see why your foot hurts? Very interesting...
27 May 2009 at 11:30
Heather Smith said…
Both books sounds very interesting. I think it may have been McDougall I recently heard on CBC - there was some discussion on running barefoot - ouch.
27 May 2009 at 23:04
Don said…
Christopher McDougall was interviewed on The Current, Heather. That's where I heard about the book, too, and then went and got it! Like you should.
28 May 2009 at 09:12
Heather Smith said…
I'll borrow yours when I'm home ;)
28 May 2009 at 10:27
CLB said…
I would like to read in defence of food. Seems that he is talking about what I am trying to do with my eating habits.
1 June 2009 at 08:29
Don said…
You can borrow the book if you like, Carla.
1 June 2009 at 09:17
CLB said…
That would be awesome!
2 June 2009 at 11:58
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