FOOD MATTERS: Mark Bittman's New Book Includes Philosophy As Main Ingredient

Indeed, Bittman is the most commonsensical of food writers, though it's clear that he loves to eat and that his palate has high standards. So when he joins the growing crusade preaching the gospel of avoiding processed foods and eating a mostly plant-based diet, you know he's not just doing it 'cause Michael Pollan, author of last year's popular In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto, said so.

Bittman's journey began with the realization that global livestock production accounts for more greenhouse gas than cars, trucks, planes and trains do. The catalyst was a constellation of health issues of his own. And so Bittman changed not so much just his diet but his philosophy of eating. The results: 35 pounds lost, better health, a clearer conscience and his latest book: Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating (Simon & Schuster, $25).

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[jgfor3]

Food Matters gets right to the point. The third paragraph’s hook is so intriguing that you just don’t want to put it down. Bittman writes, “If I told you that a simple lifestyle choice could help you lose weight, reduce your risk of many long-term or chronic diseases, save you real money, and help stop global warming, I imagine you’d be intrigued.­” The book is loaded with facts, ideas, experiences, and advice. Mr. Bittman has presented his information with such clarity that even if you know the facts already, then you just want to see it again. A reader might be appalled by the facts and astounded that they are true, but the smallest changes lead to big ones. Mark doesn’t stress counting calories, or might I say, even avoiding treats; all he says is, keep track of what you put into your body. Changing your diet step-by-step will eventually lead to a dramatic change. After reading his book, you can find a six-week meal plan in the back. For the majority of Americans, his plan would be perfect (however, my eating habits are not the norm in America.) If you want to learn more about what to eat, pick up Mr. Bittman’s book. It’s a quick read! And check out my blog at http://jgsjournal.tumblr.com/ for more information.

[kathynyc]

Ugh. I have serious issue with "Bitty." Do I love or hate his no-backbone attitude, as seen on the Spain:On the Road Again show...hmm­m

Read my annoyance here: http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2009/01/mark-bittman-conscious-eater-sometimes.html